Hundreds of grain producers were awarded here Saturday for outstanding contributions to China's grain production.

Addressing the prize-awarding ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu urged the honored individuals and units to continue to promote agricultural and rural development in China.

It's the first time for the country's grain output to rise for three years running since 1985, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

It predicted that per capita annual income of Chinese farmers will increase by more than 300 yuan (US$37.5) this year, a third actual rise of over 6 percent in a row.

The awarded grain producers included 215 individuals, 214 counties, cities, districts and farms as well as 10 provincial agricultural departments.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2006)