For the first six months of 2005, China enjoyed a good summer harvest and fast increase in farmers' cash income. Another over 3.3 million acres is expected to be cultivated with grain on the basis of the last year. 54 million acres will grow summer wheat, 2.2 million acres more than the acreage last year. The 7-year long decline has been turned around.

Du Qinglin, China's Agriculture Minister, concluded on July 13 that agricultural sectors were performing well and the capacity-building for comprehensive agricultural production was progressing smoothly. However, he was concerned about the deep-seated contradictions still hindering the development of agriculture and rural economy. He also recognized the difficulty in maintaining growth either of the grain yields or of farmers' income.

To secure a good harvest this year, the agricultural department will encourage farmers to grow more late rice, ratoon rice and coarse cereals, promote quality breeds and develop super rice. In fall, a fertilizing program will benefit 50 million rural households which grow 41.6 million acre of grain.

In the mean time, efforts will continue to be put on saving-oriented agricultural production, further strategic adjustment on the agriculture and rural economy, and helping farmers make more money.

By People's Daily Online