In the first major policy document of 2006 issued by both the governing Communist Party and the State Council-- China's cabinet-- the central authorities said China will strengthen support and protection of agriculture and rural dwellers.

More subsidies will be provided to farmers not only in major grain areas-- such as Northeast China-- but in other parts of the country, it said, adding the subsidies will in part be used to buy improved strains of crops and farm machinery.

It called for active efforts to develop agro-products with distinctive qualities and high added value to cater to the demand of both domestic and overseas markets.

The sweeping document said the government will encourage the development of township enterprises in line with industrial policies and accelerate the migration of the rural labor force andthe development of small towns. Enditem