The judgment was based on four factors, Zhang said at the Yangling Agricultural High-tech Forum underway in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

First, there is a change between the supply and demand of farm produce as the country has scored bumper grain harvests for several consecutive years, he said.

Also, farmers have shifted their emphasis from raising grain output to improving quality of farm produce.

Third, the traditional production pattern of extensive farming has been replaced with intensive farming, and agro-science is playing a bigger role in agricultural development.

Finally, China is confronting fiercer challenges from the outside world in the run-up to joining the World Trade Organization.

Outlining major tasks in rural development, the vice-minister said efforts will be made to readjust agricultural structure, raise farmers' income, accelerate rural industry and service trade, and increase the added value of farm produce.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2001)