Vice-premier Wen Jiabao said that the essence of last month's central agricultural work conference should be implemented and policies on restructuring the rural economy and strengthening infrastructure should be seriously implemented.

Speaking to local villagers in the four counties of Taikang, Luyi, Xiangcheng and Xihua during an inspection tour of central China's Henan Province from February 19-22, the vice premier urged local officials to confront problems and fully respect the rights of farmers during restructuring the rural economy.

During his stay in Henan, one of the country's largest grain and cotton producers, Wen spoke highly of the province's achievements in reforming agriculture, stressing that reforms in the province were conducive to the stability and development of grain and cotton production across the country.

Wen said that farmers should develop other industries to meet the demands of the market. He also urged farmers to lower production costs and give priority to product quality to increase their income.

There is a surplus of grain and cotton in major rural areas across the country. The State will grant necessary assistance to these areas for improving infrastructure and protecting the environment, Wen said.