China's government plans to increase its annual grain production to 500 million tons and keep farm incomes growing at an annual rate of five percent over the next five years, according to the Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday published its 11th five-year plan for agricultural development, stating the goals of efficient distribution, continued increase in farm incomes and harmonious rural development.

 

The plan emphasizes the need to curb the widening disparity between rural and urban areas by developing commercial farming and urban migration.

 

Every year rural enterprises will aim to create 2.5 million jobs, and five million farmers will find new jobs in cities.

 

China's cropland is expected to be at least 103.33 million hectares.

 

The output of cotton is predicted to reach 6.8 million tons, oil 32 million tons and sugar crops 120 million tons.

 

Steady growth is also expected in the other major products, including vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs and milk.

 

The plan aims to upgrade agricultural structure, with livestock accounting for 50 percent of the total output value and development of the processing industry.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2006)