Vice Premier Hui Liangyu has urged Chinese farmers to grow more and better crops this year in order to increase their incomes through optimized agricultural production.

 

Hui made the call during his recent tour of North China's Hebei Province, one of the country's major grain-producing areas.

 

He called on governments at various levels to implement the country's latest policies of supporting the development of agriculture and rural economy.

 

Hui said China will enhance management of its grain markets to maintain stable prices of grain crops.

 

He said spring plowing is beginning across the country and governments at various levels should ensure supplies of materials for spring and summer agricultural production.

 

He also called on the government to do all it can to prevent bird flu and other major animal diseases in the spring to protect the health of the public and the development of the chicken-farming industry.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2006)