More than 300 thousand farmers have been granted cash awards for following China's family planning policy.

The People's Daily reports that China will expand the scope of the project rewarding those following one-child policy.

In 2004, China began to reward farmers who either have only one child or two girls. Awards of 600 yuan, or about US$70 are made annually to those of 60 and over who have adhered to the policy.

China's western Guizhou and Qinghai provinces have seen a marked increase in the number of rural families observing the family planning policy.

(CRI.com April 9, 2005)