Under the influence of SARS, the rural economic situation in the first half of 2003 turned from good to bad with reduced income for farmers and less employment opportunities for migrant farmers.

The rural economic performance in 2002 was basically stable and this was attributable to the improved policy environment and the favorable international situation for agro-produce trade.

Reform and development have quickened social organization division in rural areas while farmers' demand has kept upgrading and their demand structure has become complicated.

The rural economy has been operating smoothly in the first half of 2002 with continual adjustment of agricultural structure, good export performance and improved policy environment.

Steady performance has been the main feature of the rural economy and the market of farm products in the first half of the year.

As a main area for production of grain, Jiangxi province has in recent years aggressively explored the reform in its grain circulation system and made important progress in liberalizing the market for sales and purchase of grain.

As the first province to have carried out the market-oriented reform in the grain circulation system, Zhejiang province has successfully switched to a new system.

The operating environment for rural economy in 2001 was better than the year before. The internal structure of the rural economy continued to experience adjustment, the prices of agricultural products rose somewhat, and farmers' income posted growth as a recovery.