Policy thrust on saving arable land

The government yesterday announced the long-awaited national land-use policy till 2020 to address the rising conflict between its expanding industrial areas and shrinking arable land.

Approved at a State Council executive meeting, presided by Premier Wen Jiabao, the policy says the country should have 121.2 million hectares of arable land till 2010 and 120.3 million hectares till 2020.

The figures are a little higher than the government's long-held 120-million-hectare "critical mark" to ensure food security for the increasing population.