(Yicai Global) May 24 -- China's commerce ministry plans to better connect farmers and food sales channels in a bid to tackle poverty in rural areas.

The ministry will support the foundation of links between agriculture and commerce in the country's poorer regions, spokesman Gao Feng said on May 24. It will also help wholesales, markets and e-commerce companies penetrate deprived areas and build relationships with production sites and farmers.

Developing industries, establishing brands and facilitating sales will play a positive role in targeted poverty alleviation and the country's revitalization, Gao added, saying a modernized agriculture sector will broaden channels for farmers to increase their income.

 The plans outline six key tasks:

• Create a stable, long-term system to connection production and sales
• Develop operating entities for new agriculture
• Cultivate and establish brands for produce
• Create standards for the entire supply chain
• Support the connection of production and sales in poor areas
• Improve infrastructure to aid product distribution.

Editor: James Boynton