Wen calls for grain liberalization

Premier Wen Jiabao said China should liberalize grain trading in major production areas throughout the country. Wen said liberalization of trading and pricing of grains was a priority for China as it reforms its grain distribution network. Granting subsidies for the millions of Chinese grain growers was also a priority, he added. China plans to introduce a nationwide system to offer subsidies directly to farmers in major production areas to encourage an increase in output.