A farmer sprays pesticide in a corn field in Wangdou county, North China's Hebei province, Aug 13, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) on Monday urged local authorities to intensify efforts to control disease and pests in order to ensure a successful autumn harvest.

At a work conference on disease and pest control, the ministry said this year's autumn crops will deal with more disease and pests than in years past due to increased rainfall.

Local authorities should take necessary measures to secure grain output and ensure a good harvest, said Vice Minister of Agriculture Yu Xinrong.

The ministry urged greater efforts to monitor and issue warnings for disease and pests, purchase pesticides and form specialized pest control teams.