President Xi urges development of green agriculture

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Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday called for solid moves to promote the development of green agriculture.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at the 37th meeting of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform, which he heads.

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Xi said at the meeting that China should develop green agriculture, which is the main part of agricultural supply side reforms, and properly handle the relationship between green agriculture and environment protection, food security and the increase of income of farmers.

Responding to the repeated call of the green development of agriculture, China's Ministry of Agriculture launched a program last month to replace chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives in 100 counties and districts with financial support from the central government.

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The ministry will provide subsidies for farmers who use organic fertilizers and encourage social capital to participate in the program. According to the plan, key growing areas for fruit, vegetables, and tea should cut chemical fertilizer use by at least 20% by 2020.

President Xi also said China should promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements into practical use, improve the warning system for quality of imported and exported goods, and speed up the market approval process for pharmaceutical drugs.

Xi Jinping instructs Sichuan lawmakers in agriculture reform, poverty alleviation