China's grain production will increase 15.6 billion kilograms to 546.4 billion kilograms this year as farmers' per capita net income grows 10 percent to 5,800 yuan (865.7 U.S. dollars), according to a statement released at the conclusion of the central rural work conference which concluded here Wednesday.
Despite floods and drought, the country's grain production will increase for the seventh consecutive year, according to the statement.
Minister of Agriculture Han Changbin said the increase in grain production this year is more than expected and supports the nation's overall economic growth.
Further, people's living conditions and public services in rural areas have improved, according to the statement.
The statement said the country overcame various difficulties, including natural disasters and abnormal price fluctuations in the agricultural commodities market, to achieve remarkable progress in 2010.
In the coming year, the government will step up research and development into water conservation projects while keeping grain supplies stable, increasing farmers' incomes and deepening rural reforms.
At the Central Economic Work Conference earlier this month, policy-makers agreed to increase subsidies for agricultural production and steadily raise minimum grain purchase prices.
They also agreed to boost investment in the major grain-producing areas and water conservation facilities.
The central government has invested 828.3 billion yuan (123.63 billion U.S. dollars) to boost grain production and combat natural disasters in 2010.
China will also strive to boost the farm product market by improving circulation channels and building efficient sales networks. The government would crackdown on hoarding and speculation to stabilize the market, said the statement.
Further, the government would work to improve people' s livelihoods in the rural area, while water conservation would be one of China' s major tasks in agricultural work, it said.
