URUMQI - China's central government plans to spend 1.875 billion yuan ($298 million) on improving irrigation systems in the southern areas of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region this year.The fund will be used to upgrade irrigation facilities and promote water-saving technology, in order to boost farm output in southern Xinjiang, home to the majority of the region's poor population, according to the regional reform and development commission.Southern Xinjiang is a major production base for cotton and fruit. However, a lack of water and outdated irrigation systems have long hampered agricultural development in the region.Four prefectures in southern Xinjiang -- Aksu, Kashgar, Hotan, and Kizilsu -- are among the poorest areas in China. They had more than 1.6 million people living under the poverty line by the end of 2017.As China aims to eliminate poverty by 2020, Xinjiang is carrying out a three-year poverty-relief plan. Under the plan, 409,000 residents and 94,000 households will be lifted out of poverty this year. thick rubber wristbandsonline silicone wristband makerupcycle silicone braceletscolorfilled wristbandsliver cancer silicone bracelets
China's Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang receives an interview after the second plenary meeting of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua] China will continue reforms to streamline administration and improve services for science workers, allowing them to focus on their research and create new innovations to benefit society, China's top science official said on Friday. At its core, technological innovation is all about talents, Wang Zhigang, minister of science and technology, told reporters in the minister's passage at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. As a result, China issued new rules and regulations last year to motivate science workers and unleash their full innovative potential, he added. However, there are still many cumbersome administrative issues that are weighing on researchers' minds, including budgets, red tape and application forms, Wang said. Therefore, through new reforms and legislation, we hope to eliminate these issues, allowing scientists to focus their time and energy on research, he added. The ministry also is constantly in touch with researchers, entrepreneurs and experts, learning about their latest needs and formulating new reforms that can meet those demands, Wang said. We have to find ways to better serve our scientists, and let them feel their work is appreciated, he said, adding it also is important to motivate universities, research institutes and companies to work together in pushing scientific frontiers and tackling socioeconomic issues via innovations. While loosening bureaucratic restraints, China also will tighten its standards on research ethics and academic integrity, Wang said.
