China's Ministry of Agriculture said on Sunday the country was expecting a good late rice harvest.

An official with the ministry said the output in the southern regions was set to exceed that of last year. He attributed the increase to elevated subsidies to farmers.

He said in the beginning of this year, the country raised the subsidies for farmers who planted the late rice from 8 yuan per mu to 15 yuan. This had encouraged more farmers to plant the second rice.

Meanwhile, the ministry had organized experts to help farmers solve technical problems and answer their questions. Agricultural departments at all levels also contributed to the bumper harvest by guiding farmers to prevent losses from natural disasters such as typhoons, he added. (one mu equals to 0.0667 hectares)

(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2008)