((Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-12 20:21

ZHENGZHOU -- Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu called for a strict implementation of farming subsidies as well as preferential policies for rural workers during his four-day tour of Henan Province, the country's largest provincial grain producer.

Efforts should be made to implement subsidies and preferential policies, further promote a steady growth in agricultural development and the continued rise in farmers' income and ensure basic supply of farm produce, including grain, this year, Hui said after he visited several large grain-producing counties in Henan.

He stressed rural work was of great importance to the country's social and economic development this year.

Surges in prices of grain, pork and cooking oil late this year should have raised farm incomes. However, they also lifted the consumer price index (CPI) to an 11-year high of 6.9 percent in November, well above the government's 3-percent target.

The high inflation rate has become a major concern for both the government and the people. It was decided at the high-profile Central Economic Work Conference that prevention of "current price increases from becoming evident inflation" would be the primary goal of macroeconomic control in 2008.

The situation has prompted top leaders to instruct the government to focus on national grain security and boosting farmers' income.

Hui visited wheat fields and pig farms to hear from local farmers. He specifically instructed local officials and farmers to improve irrigation methods and prepare for the spring plough season during the winter.

He also asked local officials to pay attention to disease control and prevention efforts.