As the spring plough begins, China is vowing to keep fertilizer prices stable to ensure smooth production this year.

Spring ploughing, starting in late February and ending in late April, features vegetables planting in the country's eastern areas?and wheat ploughing in the central?and northern regions and serves as one of two major planting seasons that feeds the nation

During the period, fertilizer supply will reach 27.2 million tons, while demand is expected to hit 26.6 million tons, said a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday. It was jointly held by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and five other authorities.

Fertilizer prices will stay stable as the country has taken a series of measures, such as lifting export tariffs and increasing storage, said the meeting.

Fertilizer producers in the south have started normal operation as power supply has recovered from snow storms, it said.

The meeting also urged related authorities to ensure fertilizer supply and enhance market monitoring to keep prices stable.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2008)