In recent weeks, vegetable prices have been under the spotlight, and China's State Council is taking measures to keep them under control. But with the new year and spring festival approaching, Chinese shoppers are set to buy more. The country's Minister of Agriculture, Han Changfu, is confident both supply and prices will remain stable.

A few days ago, we followed the Agriculture Minister on a trip to Tianjin. Like Hebei and Shandong, Tianjin is a crucial vegetable supply base for northern China.

The autumn and winter vegetable planting period is critical for food supply. The Ministry of Agriculture has asked its local branches to guarantee production and supply, particularly during the two major festival periods.

Han Changfu, Minister of Agriculture said "The winter planting area has increased this year, and the variety of vegetables has also increased. We're confident in vegetable supply, and availability during the two festivals should be guaranteed."

Inclement weather has also dealt a heavy blow to some farming parts of the country. Hainan experienced severe rainfall in October, and the Ministry is increasing vegetable production in the province by 900 thousand tons. The planting area will also increased by 7 percent, and vegetable output nationwide will increase by 7.5 percent.

Not only the production of veggies, but the Ministry is also aiming to streamline the transportation process. It's also expanding the farming area for produce bound for the northern part of China.