Water conservancy gets major investment

As authorities seek to further boost China's agricultural infrastructure the Ministry of Water Resources said 364.7 billion yuan ($58.7 billion) was invested in irrigation and water conservancy projects between October and March.

Investment was up 7.8 percent compared with the same period last year.

Ni Wenjin, deputy director of the department of irrigation, drainage and rural water supply, said the ministry is looking to further accelerate irrigation and water conservancy projects to ensure the country's grain safety.

"We will also look to further diversify funding channels . . . and encourage social capital to take part in the investment process," he said.

The country has added more than 620 million irrigated hectares of farmland since 2011. Some 2,450 counties have been identified as key areas to push forward the projects, he said.

Investment in water conservation was among key investment programs to boost economic growth mentioned in Premier Li Keqiang's Government Work Report at this year's parliamentary session.

The country is targeting investment of 800 billion yuan in major water conservation this year, with 27 projects expected to begin construction.