Northwest China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region launched a five-year training program on Monday to provide training for 2 million households in its rural areas.

The program consists of two parts. One is training in farming techniques and the other in professional skills, said Qian Zhi, vice chairman of Xinjiang.

The region's vast rural areas will have more 'farmer experts' helping raise local agricultural productivity, said the vice chairman, adding that 300,000 farmers and the other 30,000 who currently work in urban areas will receive training on professional skills.

In addition, the regional government will start a three-year project to provide training for fruit growers, veterinarians and breeders, said Qian.

Relevant departments are compiling accessible teaching materials for farmers and starting from 2006 the regional government will offer free employment information and professional training to farmers who seek jobs in the cities, said Qian.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2006)