China to increase farmers´ income by 6% this year

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-11-2008 13:42

China says its grain output last year exceeded 500 billion kilograms. The achievement means its the first 4th consecutive year with an increase in China's grain output since 1985.

Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture Wei Chao'an says China intends to increase farmers' income by 6 percent this year, while maintaining the steady growth of grain output.

The Ministry of Agriculture made the remarks on the sidelines of the on-going session of the 11th National People's Congress. Vice Minister Wei Chao'an says China intends to increase farmers' income by 6 percent this year, while maintaining the steady growth of grain output.

4,140 yuan that was the average annual income for each farmer last year. That's a 9.5 percentage surge compared to the year before.

It's one of the achievements made in the agriculture sector, released by Vice Minister Wei Chao'an on Monday.

However, this year the situation may not be so optimistic. Severe winter storms hit southern China in January which badly affected grain production.

Wei says the bad weather could mean annual income losses of more than 100 yuan for each farmer.

But he added the government is taking various measures to ensure farmers' income will continue to increase.

Meanwhile, the vice minister attributed the recent price rise in agricultural products to factors such as the price surge of raw materials and an increase in demand.

But, to some extent, the price increase helps farmers to improve their living standards.

Vice Minister of Agriculture Wei Chao'an said, "Generally speaking, the rising prices of agricultural products can be seen as a remedy in this sector. A reasonable price surge in agricultural products is conducive to protecting farmers' enthusiasm in grain production."

Wei also admits that price increases will inevitably affect the lives of low-and middle-income families around the country.

He says the Ministry of Agriculture is working to prevent sharp ups and downs in prices, by taking measures such as increasing output and ensuring the basic supply of agricultural products.

Editor:Zhang Ning