Good harvest consolidates economy recovery

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China's Ministry of Agriculture says it's expecting a bumper crop this year. And that's good news for keeping up strong recovery in the Chinese economy.

In one village in Gaocheng city, Hebei Province, farmers are excited about a good yield in crops.

Fan Yinlu, Farmer of Hebei said "The yield per mu, that's about 667 square meters, is more than 670 kilograms, up 80 kilograms from last year."

Hebei Province is expecting close to 17 billion kilograms of grain to be harvested this autumn, an increase of 250 million kilograms from the same period last year. While strong yields are also due from the country's largest grain producing province, Henan. The Ministry of Agriculture is predicting a good harvest across the country for the year.

Sun Zhengcai, Agriculture Minister said "It has not been easy to ensure such a good harvest, because severe droughts have hit major grain producing areas."

While farmers concerned about the price of grain, are less worried this time round.

Zhang Weilu, one farmer said "The price is higher than last year. We are satisfied with it."

Experts say despite signs of economic recovery, instability and sustainability are still valid concerns. And that makes a good harvest very important for anchoring a rebound in the economy.

Cheng Guoqiang, Researcher of Development Research Center, State Council said "I believe the good harvest has laid a solid foundation for our country to fight the global financial crisis and maintain fast and steady economic growth."

Figures show that since the start of the harvest season, turnover has been surging at the country's major centers for trade in grain.