Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu has stressed the need to further promote the development of the country's agriculture and animal husbandry in accordance with local resources condition, regional and ethnic features.

Hui, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also called for stepped-up efforts for the development of ecological and environmental conservation, when he toured around west China's Qinghai Province from August 13 to 16.

He said China should adopt a scientific approach to development that resulted in expanded production, a better life and sound ecological and environmental conditions.

During the visit, he went to farmlands, greenhouses, locals' houses and leading enterprises, to know in detail the practice of favorable measures for farmers.

The vice premier emphasized that developing agriculture and animal husbandry in accordance with local conditions was the main task to develop China's modern agriculture.

Qinghai Province, for example, with a unique climate and geographical conditions and farming resources, should beef up its efforts in agriculture and animal husbandry development.

Hui also visited the ecological conservation project for the Qinghai Lake and the Longyang Gorge hydraulic project.

"The environmental protection in Qinghai has an important bearing on the long-term interest of the Chinese nation," he said, adding great efforts should be made to intensify ecological conservation, protection of natural forest and treatment of desertification.

Hui also visited local people of ethnic groups and expressed his concerned about their life and production.

He said, the Party and the governments at all levels attach great importance to the development of ethnic groups, and has adopted special measures to promote the development in regions inhabited by ethnic groups. "I believe you can see your life improve further and further," He said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2008)