Hubei food supply stable

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-03-2008 08:51

Hubei is located in the middle of the Yangtze River and is one of China's major farming bases.

As the snow weakened and sunny weather returned, market supply and food prices are gradually getting back to normal.

Wuhan has endured 18 days of snow since the beginning of the year. Snow heavily damaged crops, and the paralyzed traffic blocked timely delivery of fresh food and vegetables across the country. Since late last month, prices of most vegetables and fruits have been rising in Wuhan - some even by four or five times. But as the snow weakened and sunny weather returned, market supply and food prices are gradually getting back to normal.

Vegetable supplies say as most provincial expressways are now reopened, they are able to get truck-loads of fresh vegetables every day. These come mainly from Guangxi, Yuanan and Haihan. And costs have also dropped.

Vegetable stand owner Wang Baolin said, "The snow did have some impact on us, but not severely. The government is doing everything to send food here."

Local residents have also noticed the falling prices. Many say that they can understand the recent changes in the market. They say they're thankful the government is working to guarantee adequate supplies for the upcoming Spring Festival.

Wuhan local Tu Jinyu said, "We can still buy what we want here, like vegetables and meat. The variety is enough, prices are much higher due to the snow."

Since the beginning of the snowy weather, the Wuhan Municipal Government has adapted policies to subsidize food suppliers and relieve the pressure of high prices on residents. Management of the Shuiguohu market are working out plans to benefit both customers and suppliers. They are also conducting daily check-ups to ensure quality of the products.

Yang Songjun, Gen. manager of Shuiguohu vegetable market, said, "The government has attached great importance to the residents' difficulties. The Wuchang District Government is exempting vegetable sellers from one-month's management fees, over 100 yuan each. The government urged the vendors to use the money to keep prices stable. "

In addition, Wuhan's agricultural departments have outlined a comprehensive five-step plan to guarantee vegetable supply during the Spring Festival holiday. Wuhan plans to rush the planting of fast-growing vegetables and to harvest as quickly as possible. It will rely on imports from other provinces while maintaining shortages of food for after the holiday. And it will step up the production of meat, seafood and peas as a hedge against future shortages.

Editor:Zhang Ning