Shandong and Jiangxi Provinces, two major cotton producers in east China, are expected to expand their cotton growing areas this year.

Based on sample surveys in eight cotton-growing areas, the provincial agricultural department predicted the area for cotton production in Shandong would be 1.04 million hectares this year, 163,333 hectares more than last year.

The increase in the sowing area was mainly led by rising pricesand the application of modern cotton growing techniques.

China's cotton demand exceeded supply by 2 million tons this year. In Shandong, the difference was 700,000 tons, driving up thecotton price by 54 percent over last year to 6.63 yuan per kilogram.

Rural surveys in Jiangxi Province showed the crop areas this year would expand to 100,000 hectares, an increase of 20,000 hectares over last year.

As the demand for cotton products is strong in both domestic and overseas markets this year, cotton output in Jiangxi will fallshort of demand, local experts say.

The provincial government will give priority to the production of high quality cotton at Poyang Lake, increase sowing areas, raise product quality and reduce production costs.

(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2004)