Rachel Hou / Shanghai Daily news

Looking back on the city's performance last year, city spokeswoman Jiao Yang noted that the per capita disposable income of local farmers rose by 10.2 percent to 7,337 yuan(US$887), the highest growth rate since 1997.
Jiao said the municipal government played an important role in improving the income of farmers. Government subsidies for farmers amounted to 282 million yuan (US$34million) in 2004. The government also helps farmers earn through their property. Last year, Shanghai farmers earned an average of 297 yuan (US$35.9) from land rents and dividends.
Meanwhile, a social security system has been created in Shanghai's rural areas. About 590,000 farmers have joined the system, which will provide the elderly with a monthly pension of 370 yuan (US$45).