Central finance earmarks 2bln for grassland protection

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2014-11-11

China’s central government has allocated 2 billion yuan ($327 million) to encourage the protection of grassland ecology, changing livestock and husbandry development, and increasing farmer incomes, the Finance Ministry reports, noting that they will work with the Agriculture Ministry in evaluating the implementation of grassland protection through subsidies and rewards, based on central government methods. The focus will be on system building, work and achievements, with better incentives and restraint mechanisms, and ensuring that policies are followed.

China has earmarked special funds for this in eight pastoral areas and has worked with the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps since 2011. Herdsmen will receive subsidies for limiting grazing, balancing foraging and improved animal development, planting crops, and changing means of production.

Edited by Liu Yufen and Roger Bradshaw