China's agriculture has entered a new stage of development, with achievements in agriculture and rural economy drawing world attention, said Niu Dun, vice minister of agriculture.

A Chinese agriculture delegation led by Niu Dun just concluded a visit to Australia.

During the visit Niu Dun and his delegation studied agriculture and husbandry of Australia, and attended the "Forum of China-Australia Agricultural Cooperation" held in Melbourne. At the forum Niu delivered a speech entitled "Make Joint Efforts to Promote China-Australia Agricultural Cooperation", which was warmly welcomed by Australian agriculture officials, local officials and entrepreneurs.

As the world largest developing country, said Niu, China has a population of 1.29 billion, but its per capita farming land and water resources only take 1/3 and 1/4 of world average respectively. Through unswerving efforts by the Chinese government and the people, China has made in the past 25 years world acknowledged achievements in agriculture and rural economy.

China's comprehensive agricultural productivity rose steadily; agricultural production grew rapidly and farm produce supply turned from long-term shortage to overall balance, with surplus in good years. Currently, the output of grain, cotton, fruit, meat, poultry, egg, aquatic product and other farm produce has leapt to world first and per capita output of grain, cotton, oil, vegetable, meat, poultry, egg and aquatic products has reached or exceeded world average levels.

China has been closing the gap with world level in agricultural technology, and its agricultural equipment has been improved noticeably.

Opening up in the agricultural field has been continuously accelerated and international trade of farm produce grew fast.

Village and township enterprises sprouted rapidly and rural economic structure has been continuously optimized.

Farmers' income kept increasing and their lives have been noticeably improved. A historic leap from having adequate food and clothing to being well-off in rural areas has been realized.

China's agriculture not only serves to provide rich and quality farm produce to the society, but is also closely related with the nation's food security, rural employment and rural poverty reduction, thus playing a role in stabilizing the society.
 
(People's Daily November 30, 2004)