国内英语新闻:Xinjiang to increase seed production capacity

URUMQI, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region plans to expand its seed production areas to boost its agriculture, local authorities said.

The region strives to increase its seed production areas to nearly 280,000 hectares by 2025 to supply quality seeds of wheat, corn, cotton, and other crops, according to the region's agriculture and rural affairs department.

Currently, the region has about 233,000 hectares of seed production areas, capable of producing 1 million tonnes of seeds annually.

The project will include soil improvement, construction of irrigation and water conservation facilities, renovation of rural roads, and the establishment of 60 regional seed breeding centers, the department said.