HOHHOT — Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua has called for faster transformation and upgrades in China’s dairy industry, stressing the significant role of dairy farmers.

China will work to improve production systems and make innovations in development models of the dairy industry, in a bid to enhance its quality, performance and competitiveness, Hu said during a meeting on revitalizing the sector on Sept 27.

More efforts should be made to cement the basic role of large-scale dairy farming, Hu said, including measures to build family pastures and foster dairy farmer cooperatives.

“Qualified farmers and cooperatives will be encouraged to get engaged in the processing and circulation of dairy products.”

Dairy companies should improve their cooperation with farmers and guarantee their interests, Hu said.

The vice-premier also urged better brand-building of infant formulas, toughened supervision over dairy quality and stronger technological support.