The Chinese government has ordered the full implementation of rural and agriculture policies to ensure stable agricultural development and a sound development basis for next year.

The State Council on Wednesday outlined the policies, including subsidies for crop production, ensuring the rights of rural workers and farmers who have handed their land to the government and assisting rural students in poor families.

Water conservancy projects will accelerated to ensure living and irrigation uses for the next year, and sufficient supplies of seed and fertilizer will be allocated, according to an instruction issued at a State Council's executive meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The State Council called for stronger disease surveillance and fire controls in forests and grassland, and closer inspection and quarantine of the production and distribution of agricultural products.

It also noted that rural residents in disaster-affected regions must be provided with sufficient food and clothing and those left homeless by disasters should be given new houses by the Spring Festival.

The councilors also discussed work for the disabled.

Disabled people still suffered many difficulties in basic living, medical care, rehabilitation, education and employment, therefore the government must attach more importance to the improvement of their lives.

Local governments should continue mobilizing the public to care for and support the disabled, and give more assistance in skills and job training and rehabilitation.

Rights of education of disabled people, especially children, must be ensured by law and a social environment of respect and help for the disabled should be established.

(Xinhua News Agency November 30, 2006)