The index of overall living standards among Chinese farmers is equivalent to 53.2 percent of the figure for urban dwellers.

The figure was recently released by the Chinese Academy of Social Science.

Six areas are considered in the evaluation, including consumption, housing, health, medical costs, working time, social security, as well as the protection of rights and interests.

In 2006, the net income of Chinese farmers per capita reached 3,587 yuan (about US$465.48), an increase of 7.4 percent on the same figure last year.

Meanwhile, the number of farmers living in poverty continues to decrease.

(CRIENGLISH.com May 4, 2007)