Shanxi Accelerates Turning Farmland into GrasslandShanxi Province in north China has accelerated its efforts to turn low-yield hillside farmland into grassland and woodland.So far this year, more than 40,000 hectares of farmland on mountain slopes in the province on the middle reaches of the Yellow River has been turned into grassland or forest, a provincial government official said Wednesday. The province is concentrating this work on 16 counties along the river, which suffer from serious soil erosion. The provincial government has set up a special organ to take charge of the work, and formulated specific plans and methods for turning the farmland over to growing grass and trees, and for farmers to enjoy state subsidies and grain allowances after they give up their farmland. The province has stressed that the trees to be planted on the former farmland should be favorable for soil improvement, and urged farmers to fence in their cattle and sheep to protect the young trees. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |