Innovation in agricultural science and technology should be accelerated, and efforts should be made to create new types of agricultural businesses, Vice-Premier Wang Yang has said.

He made the remarks in Beijing on Feb 9 when felicitating people who have made great contributions to the seed industry and 10 outstanding farmers.

Wang pointed out that the key to agricultural development lies in innovation and improvement in science and technology, and said efforts should be made to seize the new opportunities offered by global advances in the field.

He added that the innovation should be based on needs of the sector and the market and be aimed at solving practical problems.

He also stressed the importance of encouraging professional farmers in rural areas, and attracting more talents to modern agriculture development.