BEIJING - Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu called for continued efforts to ensure reliable autumn grain production in the wake of the summer's successful grain harvest.

Hui made the remark during a four-day trip to provinces in Northeast China, which is one of the country's major grain production areas. Hui visited villages and farms to inspect grain being produced there and examine new methods that have been used to enhance grain production.

China has witnessed sound progress in agricultural production and rural development this year, Hui said, urging farmers and other rural workers to sustain their efforts for the rest of the year.

Local authorities should work to prevent damage caused by natural disasters and to prepare for the harvesting and purchase of autumn grain, Hui said.

Efforts should also be made to bolster the construction of water conservancy projects and increase rural farmers' incomes, Hui added.