December 27, 28-The national agriculture working conference was held in Beijing. The conference gave an in-depth analysis on the current agricultural and rural economic development, reviewed the progress in the sector in 2009, and arranged the work for year 2010. Agricultural Minister Han Changfu emphasized that all efforts must be made to ensure grain production of the coming year to exceed 500 million tons and farmers¡¯ income to grow by at least 6%, while guaranteeing zero outbreak of regional major animal epidemics as well as major incidents concerning the quality and safety of agricultural products. The momentum of agricultural and rural economic development should be preserved and strengthened, so as to effectively support the national economic development.

    This year, China¡¯s agricultural and rural economic development has encountered huge challenges. Thanks to the efforts and cooperation of various regions and departments, all the targets set for this year have been realized, with outcomes better than expected in a sustained and stable manner. According to the Agricultural Minister, all the achievements in 2009 have been made through painstaking efforts: major policies have been implemented to address the impact of the international financial crisis; disaster prevention and reduction as well as the control of epidemics have been strengthened to minimized losses; agricultural technologies and equipment have been improved to upgrade production; channels have been expanded to ensure sustained income growth of the farmers, and rural reform has been propelled to strengthen the rural economic development.

    Han Changfu pointed out that the working conference on rural development of the CPC Central Committee highlighted the synergy of rural and urban development as well as the foundations for agricultural and rural development, fully demonstrating the requirement of the Central Committee on the development of agriculture, rural areas and farmers, identifying the bottlenecks on economic and social development, and pointing out the direction for agricultural and rural development. Modernization and the construction of an overall well-off society demand for stronger foundations of agriculture. For this, rural and urban development should be coordinated to promote balanced industrialization, urbanization and agricultural modernization. The core is to enhance agricultural productivity, especially in grain production, with focus on key sectors and comprehensive measures.

    The Minister also analyzes the challenges and opportunities in 2010. Despite various favorable conditions and factors, 2010 will witness more complex situations, with growing difficulties for grain production and farmers¡¯ income growth.

    He pointed out that we should have a rational and comprehensive understanding on next year¡¯s situation, without being sluggish because of current achievements or fearful for higher requirements and should determine to work for new achievements.

    The Minister set requirements that various agricultural departments should be innovative to enhance capacity building, with focuses on key issues including working style and capabilities, harmonious teamwork and rules-based operations. Efforts should be made to promote study ability, talent development, anti-corruption campaign, so as to provide a strong driving force for agricultural and rural development.¡¡