China has reduced farmers' tax burdens this year by close to 30 billion yuan, or US$3.6 billion.

Vice Minister of Agriculture Fan Xiaojian says China has reduced agricultural taxes, and exempted most farmers who plant crops from tax, which has resulted in an increase of farmers' incomes.

Meanwhile, China has strengthened supervision to prevent local governments from abusing their power and collecting inappropriate taxes.

Fan Xiaojian notes that next year China will further reduce farmers' tax burdens by promoting taxation transparency and improving regulations about supervision and management.

(CRI December 21, 2004)