The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture has confiscated 47,000 tons of fake and shoddy products used by farmers, worth 300 million yuan (US$37.5 million) in the first half of 2006.

 

The ministry said it has inspected 370,000 companies that sell farming products and 110,000 rural fairs in the first half of the year.

 

More than 26,000 fake products used in farming including seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, fodder and animal medicines, have been investigated, according to the ministry.

 

The ministry has dealt with 77 major illegal cases each involving fake goods valued at more than 50,000 yuan (US$6,250), said an official with the ministry.

 

Since last year the ministry has tightened control over the entrance of farming goods into the rural market by launching trial projects in some rural areas.

 

The trial projects have been extended to 27 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

 

Sources said the ministry plans to develop chain stores to directly supply farm goods and will increase scientific and technological support to the farmers.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 20, 2006)