Hu stresses reform, development in rural areas

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-11 08:09

ZHENGZHOU -- Chinese President Hu Jintao stressed three breakthroughs in rural restructuring, modern agriculture and rural public facilities to push forward reform and development in the countryside.

Hu made the remarks during a visit to central Henan Province from Monday to Wednesday, where he met with local officials, farmers and entrepreneurs.

Vigorous efforts should be made to improve rural operation mechanism, promote the transformation of agricultural business mode and optimize the system supporting the development of agriculture and rural areas, Hu said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) talks with a farmer in a corn field in Wuzhi county, Jiaozuo, central China's Henan province during his three-day visit in the province September 10 2008. [Xinhua]

The government should step up efforts to bolster modern agriculture, accelerate the change of agricultural development mode, increase labor productivity, better utilize rural resources, enhance the resistance against natural disasters, and raise the comprehensive production capability of agriculture, he said.

Infrastructure should be boosted and allocations increased in rural areas to promote comprehensive social development, the president said.

"We have made great achievements and accumulated rich experiences in the reform and development in rural areas during the past 30 years," he said. "They are important components of the socialist theory with Chinese characteristics."

In Wuzhi County, when Hu asked 58-year-old Zhao Cunwang what favorable policies did he expect from the central government, the farmer said, "I hope the government can increase grain prices, give more subsidies and stabilize the prices of farming materials."

"I will take these suggestions back," Hu answered.

He said governments at all levels should pay more attention to grain production, which is closely linked to economic growth and social stability.

All the policies to boost grain production should be fully implemented to raise farmers' enthusiasm to grow crops, he said, while both policy and technology are indispensable to achieve this goal.

Hu also urged local governments to encourage leading enterprises to boost the industrialization of agriculture through various means and find more ways to increase farmers' income.