Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin is urging to cultivate more farmers who not only plant but also know the ABCs of technology and management, since the country is seeking new ways to promote rural development.

"We should foster many more 'new-style' farmers who are educated and who know techniques and the basics of sales and management," said Jia, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, adding that rural areas should use urban development as a catalyst.

Jia made the remarks at a CPPCC National Committee meeting on balancing urban and rural development held in Beijing on Tuesday.

"It is a historical task to balance urban and rural development and promote the integration of urban-rural economic society. It is also a complicated, long-term task."

Jia urged that improvement in major areas such as the residence registration system, the rural financial system, employment and land use be given priority.

Jia, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, said goals such as lifting rural incomes and promoting agriculture efficiency should be incorporated into the overall plan of the country's economic development.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2008)