Agricultural scientists in China should give priority to research for improving the structure and efficiency of agriculture, the rural biological environment and the competitiveness of farm produce in the global market in the next 10-15 years, Vice-Premier Li Lanqing said Monday.
Li said at the National Conference of Agricultural Science and Technology, which opened in Beijing Monday, that China has set a goal of lifting its agricultural science and technology to the highest level in the world in the next three decades.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin met with participants of the meeting, an important event for China's agricultural sector during the 2001-2005 period when China implements its 10th five-year plan for social and economic development. Among those in attendance were senior government officials Zhu Rongji, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Zeng Qinghong, Wu Yi and Wang Zhongyu.
Li said in the 10th five-year plan period, the development of agricultural technology will continue to ensure China's national grain security, while supporting agricultural restructuring and the increase in farmers' income.
It should also support the exploration of resources, environmental protection and the sustainable growth of agriculture, he said.
Agricultural science and technology should serve as a basis for expanding the market of farm produce, and major progress should be made in research so as to narrow the gap between China and other countries with advanced agricultural technology.
The vice-premier said that the reform of the agricultural science and technology system should be promoted, with emphasis placed on establishing an efficient research and development system, perfecting the system for spreading the use of farming technology, developing a market-oriented management system and building an effective mechanism governing the investment in agricultural research and development.
(People's Daily 01/15/2001)
