We will work harder to increase grain output this year, the fourth year of the implementation of the five-year strategy for national economic development.

The pivot in increased grain production is scientific farming.

Cooperative farms will be encouraged to introduce advanced farming methods, including the system of rice intensification, dense planting of maize and rational distribution of earlier and later crops for double or triple cropping, so as to drastically increase per-hectare yield.

In paddy rice farming, it is important to introduce water-saving methods, take preventive measures against damage from drought and rainy season and constantly raise the scientific level of blight forecasting.

To increase the ratio of mechanization of farm work is an important guarantee for boosting grain yield.

Efforts will be channelled into producing large numbers of efficient farm machines including a new type of tractor-excavator, various sowers, sprays, soil managing machines and harvesters in order to supply them to cooperative farms, while decisive measures will be taken to maximize the operation rate of farm machines.

Agricultural research institutions will develop scientific farming methods and good strains of crops so as to produce highest possible yield, and keep close contact with cooperative farms to ensure that new techniques prove effective in agricultural production.

Even in the depth of winter, lots of cooperative farms are stepping up preparations for good farming, while farmers are given lectures on the Juche farming method that can ensure high yield even in unfavourable natural and climatic conditions.

We will positively inspire the creativity of agricultural workers, respect their views and interests and properly apply the socialist principle of distribution.

This year, we will reenergize production and step up modernization by concentrating on the four main links for the development of animal husbandry, and encourage cooperative farms to do joint and individual livestock farming well.

The fruit farming sector will generalize good experience it obtained last year and positively introduce scientific manuring and cultivation methods in order to boost production.