The Chinese government has commended a number of counties, farms and individuals for their contributions to achieving a good harvest in 2004, as part of a nationwide effort to stop successive drops in grain production and maintain the country's grain storage at a safe level.

Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu attended on December 29ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture to announce the lists of 200 advanced counties and farms, 100 outstanding individuals, 200 model agricultural scientists and 995 big grain-producing families.

At the ceremony, the top 10 in each category were awarded medals and certificates.

This year, the central government has enacted a series of favorable policies to boost grain production and help increase farmers' income.

Source: Xinhua