Farmers´ interests better protected

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-10-2008 13:47

The circulation of farm lands has brought enormous benefit to both rural and urban development in China over the last few years. But the farmers who give up their right to land use usually get the least benefit from the process. And it remains a troubling question on how best to protect their interests while more farm lands are transferred to professional management.

During 30 years of reform and opening up, rural development  has lagged far behind its urban counterpart.

The gap between China's urban and rural populations has been a problematic issue since the People's Republic was founded in 1949. During 30 years of reform and opening up, rural development has lagged far behind its urban counterpart. Bridging that gap remains a priority for the next generation.

This coming winter could be a busy one for the farmers living in Sichuan's Shuangliu county. Over the last few months, all the farm lands contracted to local farmers have been re-measured.

Many of them have been to the village office to collect an official certificate that records the exact size of their land.

When that's completed, all the farm lands will be registered, and no matter how it is later transferred, the fundamental function - cultivation - should not be changed.

The current farming situation is very different from thirty years ago, when the Household Contract system of Responsibility came into being.

Some lands were occupied as the cities expanded, some were deserted, and some now belong to different owners.

Qin Daihong, deputy director of Rural & Urban Development Comm., Chengdu, said, "It's been several years since the farm land started to be transferred. But many cases are unusual. Some were sold to house developers by the village heads without the permission of the farmers, and the compensation amount was far less than expected. The farmers also worry that once the lands are leased, they'll have no power to ensure the rent is paid, or to claim the land back if the land is not used appropriately."