China to boost rural development

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Working alongside farmers in Dingfang village, Wen Jiabao also talked to them about this year's grain production. He repeated the government's commitment to buy grains at prices not below last year's. He also told them the government may offer more subsidies for production materials to stabilize their income.

The government abolished the rural tax in 2006, but the rising price of fertilizers and other farming materials have already eroded some of the benefits.

Premier Wen also observed Jiangxi's reform of the forestry property rights system. He said the system now guarantees the villagers long-term land use and will greatly increase their income. He promised the government will continue with policies like this.

The premier says the development of rural areas is essential for the country's stability and prosperity. He called on local officials to make rural issues their top priority and try to solve issues that concern farmers the most.