"Rice is of great importance. High-end brands can also be created in the rice-growing industry," Premier Li Keqiang said.

The Premier made the remarks during an inspection tour in Mudanjiang city, Heilongjiang province on Aug 19.

Premier Li went to a paddy field in a village after landing. He walked along the muddy field ridge into a paddy field and carefully checked the site. He asked about the rice’s price, labor cost and agricultural machinery in detail.

The Premier said rice price influences the whole country, adding the country will be stable if rice price is stable.

Being told the rice produced at this place is sold all over the country, Premier Li said the rice produced in the southern area used to be transported to the north part in the past. Today the situation is totally different.

The Premier said the rice should not only smell good, but also taste good. "You should make the brand more famous, with higher quality and price," he added.