Agricultural stimulus

The central government's decision to considerably hike minimum grain purchasing prices is highly commendable as it will boost agricultural production as well as raise farmers' income.

Just as latest growth statistics showed a sharper-than-expected slowdown of the Chinese economy in the past quarter, the National Development and Reform Commission announced yesterday a series of measures to encourage agricultural production.

The top economic planning agency pledged to not only raise the government's minimum purchasing price for white wheat by 13 percent next year but also further increase subsidies for agricultural production materials, machinery and crop seeds.