China allocates 22 bln yuan for reforestation

China has allocated about 22.4 billion yuan to reinforce achievements of the reforestation program since its implementation in 2007, which has generated considerable economic and ecological benefits, Xinhua News Agency reported yesterday.

It is reported that the incomes of rural households who restored forests on their farmlands have seen considerable income growth over the past two years.

The per capita net income of those who have replanted on rural farmland stood at 3,863 yuan in 2009, representing 381 yuan increase or an 11 percent year-on-year growth.

The average allowance and cash subsidies allocated to rural households who participated in the reforestation program was 326 yuan, an almost 9 percent growth over 2008.

The self-reliance capacity of related rural households has improved thanks to the large-scale development of grain ration lands, which ensures the growth of the per unit area yield of grain that has aided low-income rural households with insufficient grain supply.

According to the survey conducted by departments in charge, the GDP of 372 surveyed counties totaled 2.7 trillion yuan in 2009, representing a 15 percent year-on-year growth, much higher than the national average level.

The reforestation program also achieved massive complementary planting and reforestation, which have effectively increased the coverage of woods and grasslands and enhanced ecological functions in program areas.

By People's Daily Online