China to train 100 mln farmers in five years

China will provide various training programs for farmers in the next five years in a bid to quicken the pace in increasing the income of farmers, according to sources with the Ministry of Agriculture.

It is expected that 100 million will be trained by 2010, including 50 million in agricultural technology and another 50 million in other sectors.

The average annual net income of China's farmers will rise by five percent during the 11th five-year plan period (2006-2010) with their living conditions further improved.

To attain the goal, the Ministry of Agriculture will provide guidance for farmers in employment and set up a comprehensive service system to help farmers obtain more job opportunities.

In the mean time, China will also promote agricultural growth by upgrading science and technology, improving agricultural infrastructure, restructuring agricultural production, transforming the mode of agricultural production, as well as enhancing productivity.

Labor-intensive industries, service industry and private enterprises will be encouraged and boosted in rural areas in the next five years.

In addition, China will continue to improve agricultural subsidies in order to raise farmers' income.

By People's Daily Online