A senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has urged strengthening anti-corruption in the countryside to guarantee smooth rural reform and development.

He Guoqiang, Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, made the remarks during a research tour in the southern Hubei Province from October 28 to 31.

He, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, visited farmers, enterprises, and local CPC organs and listened to their views and suggestions during the research tour focusing on pushing forward rural reform.

"Besides stabilizing sowing areas, efforts should also be made to upgrade the structure of agriculture, encourage and support development of characteristic agriculture and explore more ways to increase farmers' income," he said.

He urged local governments to provide better services to farmers, including advanced technologies, training opportunities and quality check.

He asked relevant departments to conduct discipline inspection in rural areas and address problems that hurt farmers' interests and rights.

"Anti-corruption work has bearings on the overall rural reform and development," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2008)