Four ideas

In keep such predicaments from recurring, Wang Chuan suggested that governments help to establish more rural cooperatives. "Such cooperatives gather growers together in collectivized planting and selling, which will lower the cost and reduce the risk for the scattered production."

Wang said that by the end of June, the country had established some 446,000 rural cooperatives. But only 36 million rural households, 14 percent of the total, had joined such civil organizations.

In Henan province, local governments have helped in the formation of nonprofit associations or other groups such as the watermelon or garlic association. Their strengths are in providing information and training to help farmers avoid market risk.

"They work to a certain extent because farmers can timely acquire accurate market information," Zhang said. "Diesel fuel, highway tolls, packing costs . . . the farmer's margin has been squeezed in almost every channel."

From March to May, the Ministry of Commerce issued consecutive regulations urging authorities to allow growers to sell raw agricultural products in urban communities after a quality check. But some cities' restrictions don't support such independent operations.

"The farmers expect more preferential policies to better fall into place," Wang said.

Japan is one of the countries that have maintained stable market prices. The government has encouraged centralized trade for agricultural produce, which allows easier price adjustments. The government also is quick to disseminate information about supply and demand to both farmers and consumers.

Cang Wei contributed to this report. Write to the reporters at qiubo@chinadaily.com.cn and shaowei@chinadaily.com.cn.