China urges stable output, supply of vegetables as winter nears

BEIJING: China’s agriculture ministry urged local authorities on Friday to ensure stable production and supplies of vegetables during winter after a surge in the prices of produce.

Heavy rains that flooded key northern producing regions pushed up the prices of vegetables, fuelling concern over food prices at a time when consumers must brace for a hike in energy costs ahead of winter.

Local authorities must "strengthen responsibility and make ensuring stable production and supplies of vegetables an important task," the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on its website.