The fundamental position of agriculture in the national economy should be adhered to, and stronger measures are needed to raise the income of farmers, said an editorial in the People's Daily.

At a two-day conference on agriculture, which concluded on Monday and was hosted by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, specific plans were worked out to optimize agricultural structure and to raise farmers' income.

This indicates the strategic importance the central government has attached to agriculture and rural issues, said the editorial.

Developing agriculture and raising farmers' income are key to not only stabilizing rural society, but also propelling the development of the national economy and society as a whole.

The dormant growth of farmers' incomes is one of the most important reasons for the inactive demand on the domestic market. To enhance the purchasing power of farmers is vital to the country's efforts to stimulate domestic consumption.

Active domestic demand is of special significance to the country's economic growth amid the global economic slowdown.

Only when farmers' income is raised, can the huge potential market in rural China be tapped, and stronger momentum ushered for faster economic growth.

The proactive fiscal policy adopted in recent years succeeded in initiating investment and consumption, and boosting the income of medium and low-income populations in urban areas. It is now high time to take more effective measures to raise farmers' income and stimulate the demand in rural markets.

Agriculture in China at the moment is at a crucial time.

Farmers often find it difficult to sell their grains when supply exceeds demand, and prices of many agricultural products remain low.

The country's newly-gained membership of the World Trade Organization also poses both challenges and opportunities to agriculture.

It turns out to be a tougher mission to deal with the rural issue under the new situation.

Since farmers account for nearly two-thirds of the Chinese population, agriculture, farmers' lives and other rural issues are related closely with the development of the whole country. They are not only economic issues, but also have political significance.

Cadres at different levels should work with a high sense of responsibility in doing rural work and promoting agricultural development, urged the editorial.

The government's policies on agriculture should be faithfully carried out in rural areas. Initiative by farmers should be encouraged in rural development. Farmers' rights and interests should be protected and respected, the editorial stressed.

The government should strive to give more financial support to agricultural development.