Chinese leaders join lawmakers in group discussions

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd L) attends the panel discussion of the deputies of north China's Henan Province to the Fifth Session of the Tenth National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/Yao Dawei)

At a panel discussion with lawmakers from Henan Province on Monday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stressed the "high importance" of work on problems concerning agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

Wen said agriculture is the foundation of China's national economy and it concerns people's life and social stability.

"If something goes wrong with the economy in the future, it may occur in the agriculture sector, especially grain production," said the premier.

"By no means can we treat the matter lightly," he added.

Wen said dwindling arable land and sown area of winter wheat, and warm winter and prolonged drought brought about adverse impacts on the country's agricultural production this year.

"Therefore, we must seriously implement the policies of the central government to consolidate, improve and intensify supportive measures to agriculture and ensure the smooth operation of spring ploughing and sowing," Wen said.

Li Changchun and Luo Gan, members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also joined discussions with lawmakers from Hubei Province and Heilongjiang Province respectively.