Party authorities have issued a circular urging regions to ensure the purchase of grain is accomplished without mishaps.
The autumn harvest is seen by the leadership as vital to ensuring economic growth and stability in the villages.
A Beijing source said yesterday the circular, issued by the Communist Party Central Committee, warned of growing numbers of disturbances in the countryside.
'Farmers in some provinces are reluctant to sell their produce at prices offered by government procurers because they can get better prices in private markets,' the source said.
'However, to ensure stability, the Government needs to have at least six months' supply of grain.' The source said paramilitary forces had been called in to ensure satisfactory grain procurement in several isolated instances in provinces, including Henan.
The circular said departments including agriculture, finance and accounting, should ensure prompt payment to farmers.
It also urged local authorities to avoid using force in collecting the harvests.