A series of policies made by the central government to further increase grain production and farmers' income should be further implemented, said Vice Premier Hui Liangyu at a seminar on agricultural development held in Anhui Province recently.

Farmers are now more willing to grow grains than before thanks to the policies and the market force as well as joint efforts by local governments, Hui said, noting the current situation for nationwide grain growing is quite good.

The increases of grain production and farmers' income will be two major tasks for quite a long time, and the development of grain production and safeguarding of grain security should not be overlooked at any time, he said.

Hui underlined the need for precautionary work against floods and droughts, widespread use of quality seeds, use of scientific and technological means and crackdown on activities harming farmers' interests.

The reforms of rural tax and fee collection systems and grain circulation systems are two important events for deepening the rural reform, and will bring fundamental changes to rural economy and society, he said.

Anhui Province, Hui noted, as a place undergoing experimental agriculture-related reforms, should continue to reform and provide new experiences in this regard.

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2004)