Chinese premier stresses agricultural supply-side structural reform

SHIJIAZHUANG - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for agricultural supply-side structural reform and improvements to the agricultural development system.

In an instruction made public Wednesday to a meeting on agricultural production, Li urged local authorities to intensify work in the agricultural sector, strengthen development in rural areas and increase rural people's incomes.

Spring is the key season for agricultural production, the premier said.

Local governments should ensure the supply of production materials, improve irrigation projects, be prepared for drought and flood, and enhance weather forecasting, Li said.

The country should also ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products and raise their market competitiveness, Li said.

Vice Premier Wang Yang said at the meeting held in Shijiazhuang, capital of Hebei province that China should provide better technical instruction and information to farmers.

Local governments should accelerate the construction of functional zones for grain production, protected areas for major agricultural products and areas for growing endemic agricultural products, Wang said.

The country should also explore new ways to let farmers share in the growth and earnings of the industrial and service sectors, Wang said.