Wei Chao'an, Vice Minister of Agriculture [China.org.cn]

China will maintain its grain output at more than 500 million tonnes and increase farmers' incomes by 6 percent, according to a top agriculture official.

Wei Chao'an, Vice Minister of Agriculture, made the remarks at a press conference Wednesday morning on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

"Feeding 1.3 billion people has always been a top priority for our country," said Wei. "Last year, China's grain production reached 530.8 million tonnes, the sixth consecutive year of growth. But China's production is roughly equivalent to demand."

Premier Wen Jiabao said last week that the government would seek to increase production of grains, oilseeds, cotton and sugar, raise minimum grain prices and continue stockpiling agricultural commodities.

Last year farmer's per capita net income reached 5,153 yuan (US$755), up 8.5 percent over the previous year. However, urban per capita net income stood at 17,175 yuan (US$2,525), Wei added.

"So in order to narrow the income gap we need to increase the farmers' income by at least 6 percent," said Wei. "Although it will be very difficult, we will work towards this goal."

(China.org.cn March 10, 2010)