Premier Li Keqiang urged local governments to build more water conservancy projects in the coming winter and spring — the slow farming season — in an instruction sent to a teleconference on Oct 19.

Premier Li said water management should be reformed, including setting up a more effective project building and management mechanism and absorbing private investment.

He also appreciated the flood-fighting campaign this summer through the joint efforts of the government, People’s Liberation Army and ordinary citizens. “Our country faced severe flood threats this summer. But we won the battle of protecting people’s lives and crucial public facilities,” the Premier said.

Water conservation is very important to agriculture, farmers’ income and the social economy, he said.