Lawmakers concerned with use of arable land

BEIJING - Top lawmakers on Wednesday urged the government to issue a policy to ensure farmland is not being wasted as an increasing number of farmers are leaving for cities amid rapid urbanization.

Uyunqimg, vice-chairwoman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said it is crucial to ensure arable land be sub-contracted out after its tenant migrates to urban areas for a better life.

The government should issue a policy as soon as possible to make clear that the land, after being contracted to a sub-tenant, will not be abandoned and will only be used for farming, she said in a report to top lawmakers after an investigative trip.