"Now no one can stop me from growing green rice," he said. "It can make more money in the market."

Di is among a growing number of farmers across China turning to growing organic crops. Demand is strong because Chinese are becoming more health-conscious and choosing organic grain, edible oil, fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and wine.

Agricultural experts said the scale of green food production is still small, but they are optimistic about its potential.

Statistics show that China's output of organic food has increased 29 times in the last decade. Annual production amounts to 15 million tons - 3 per cent of the total food market.

The new agricultural business is booming in this northeastern province, which boasts a less polluted environment and a balanced ecology.

The nation's biggest cash grain production base now claims 14.45 million mu (1 million hectares) in organic grains, up 40 per cent from the previous year and nearly one 10th of its total cultivated land.

Profits are also being realized in neighbouring Jilin Province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region now that local authorities see the increasing market a new boost for the local economy. Promoting organic crops has become a priority in agricultural restructuring in these regions.

With organic brands of rice, milk and millet carving a niche in the national market, the new business has become a primary source of income for farmers.

This food, labeled "green and healthy," has also entered the world market with exports to the United States and Japan.

The Heilongjiang provincial agricultural authority said the province will allocate more land for the growth of these healthy and profitable crops.

Large-scale production is expected in a couple of years, with an emphasis on improving nutritional value.

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2002)