China's Ministry of Agriculture Friday urged local authorities in flood-hit regions to step up efforts to resume agricultural production and create favorable conditions for the autumn harvest following this summer's severe floods.

Local departments were ordered to accelerate water drainage, restore damaged infrastructures, strengthen field management, and plant mung bean, potatoes and buckwheat, which have short growth periods, to make up for losses, according to an official from the ministry.

The official also required departments to clear away and carry out bio-safety disposal of dead livestock, while increasing epidemic control measures.

As of July 21, more than 7 million hectares of farmland in China had been destroyed by torrential rains and floods, according to data from the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2010)