Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) smiles while chatting with farmers in Zhongning county during his visit to northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region May 6, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) chats with a farmer in Zhongning county during his visit to northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region May £¶, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    YINCHUAN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao paid a visit from Saturday to Sunday to Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which is stricken by drought.

    Most areas in the middle part of Ningxia have had no effective rain for more than 600 days. Ningxia has to enhance its irrigation work in order to fight the drought. Premier Wen spoke highly of Ningxia people's efforts to fight against the drought.

    After visiting several villages, Wen said sound grain production and an increase in farmers' income would guarantee the stable and fast development of national economy.

    Although grain production has witnessed consecutive good harvests for years, droughts have become obstacles that threaten grain output this year, he said.

    The affected provinces have been investing heavily to combat the natural adversities. Northeastern China's Jilin Province, for example, has been trying to subsidize farmers in digging wells to ease drought. Enditem