December 7's edition of People's Daily, carries a commentary calling for improvement in the quality of grassroots officials in rural areas.

With the development of the rural economy since 1978, agricultural and rural work are facing new problems which need pecial attention, according to the article.

Farmers' income has not been improved in some areas in spite of the increased agricultural output. The structure of agricultural production has not been properly adjusted because rural officials at the grassroots level know little about the market. Meanwhile, it is difficult to provide enough job opportunities for surplus laborers in rural areas.

Rural officials are playing a very important role in stepping up rural reform and developing the rural economy, says the article, noting that they should learn more about the market economy and improve their ability in helping farmers make more money.

Cadres at the village level should be selected from a larger group of people and through more a democratic but strict process, according to the article.

The grassroot officials should be provided with basic knowledge of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the socialist market economy, science and technology, and the country's legal system through various training courses.

They should also be encouraged to improve their skills in solving all kinds of problems in rural areas, the article says.