The Chinese government is using an express train to disseminate agricultural know-how in less-developed regions of Northwest China.

Together with other government agencies, the Ministry of Science and Technology is sponsoring dozens of agricultural scientists to conduct an eight-day science and technology program for rural Chinese.

The sci-tech train constitutes part of the 2006 National Science Week, which is due to begin on Sunday. The experts will help rural people to develop local economy, protect the environment, increase their production and income, and live in healthy ways.

The experts will organize consultations on practical technologies, free medical checkups, public medical education, and lectures on modern agricultural technologies.

The China Agricultural Science and Technology Press, Popular Science Press, the People's Health Press and others donated publications worth 1.8 million yuan (US$225,000) to people in rural areas.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2006)