China's government plans to increase its annual grain production
to 500 million tons and keep farm incomes growing at an annual rate
of five percent over the next five years, according to the Ministry
of Agriculture on Thursday.
The Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday published its 11th
five-year plan for agricultural development, stating the goals of
efficient distribution, continued increase in farm incomes and
harmonious rural development.
The plan emphasizes the need to curb the widening disparity
between rural and urban areas by developing commercial farming and
urban migration.
Every year rural enterprises will aim to create 2.5 million
jobs, and five million farmers will find new jobs in cities.
China's cropland is expected to be at least 103.33 million
hectares.
The output of cotton is predicted to reach 6.8 million tons, oil
32 million tons and sugar crops 120 million tons.
Steady growth is also expected in the other major products,
including vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs and milk.
The plan aims to upgrade agricultural structure, with livestock
accounting for 50 percent of the total output value and development
of the processing industry.
(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2006)