The government has ordered the full implementation of new rural and agriculture policies to ensure stable agricultural development for next year.

The State Council on Wednesday outlined new policies, including crop production subsidies, rights protection for rural workers and farmers whose land the government has claimed and assistance for rural students in poor families.

Water conservancy projects will be ramped up to ensure proper living and irrigation uses for the next year, and sufficient supplies of seed and fertilizer will be allocated, according to an instruction issued at a State Council's executive meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The State Council called for stronger disease surveillance and fire controls in forests and grasslands, while require closer inspection and quarantine in the production and distribution of agricultural products.

It also noted that rural residents in disaster-affected regions must be provided with adequate food and clothing and those left homeless by disasters should be re-housed by the Spring Festival.

Further discussions were held on the plight of the disabled. Disabled people still suffer many difficulties in basic living, medical care, rehabilitation, education and employment, and therefore the government must work to improve their lives.

Local governments should continue mobilizing public caring and support for the disabled, and lend more assistance in skills and job training and rehabilitation.

The rights to education of disabled people, especially children, must be ensured by law and a social environment of respect and help for the disabled should be established.

(Xinhua News Agency November 30, 2006)