Living Standard of Xinjiang's Rural Population ImprovedThe annual per capita net income of the rural population in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has risen from 1,100 yuan in 1995 to 1,620 yuan at the end of 2000.The number of rural households with each member of the household earning a net income over 1,700 yuan makes up one third of the total rural households in Xinjiang. The bank deposits of each farmer increased by 228 yuan to reach 552 yuan in five years, said a regional agricultural official. With more savings, farmers have replaced corn powder with flour and plain clothing with more fashionable garments. Electric household appliances such as TV's, refrigerators and video recorders have become a must in many rural families. During the winter season, farmers, especially young people, learn modern agro-techniques, read books and engage in sports of various kinds at village cultural centers. Statistics show that the per capita consumption on cultural activities by farmers average 100 yuan a year. |
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