A program launched in Beijing on Monday sets aside 50 million yuan (US$6.25 million) from the central budget to reward institutions and individuals for their outstanding performance in popularizing science in the countryside this year.

The program, jointly launched by the China Association for Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance, will offer financial support to 100 technological associations, 100 popular science bases, 100 popular science advocates and 10 science popularizing work teams for ethnic minorities in rural areas.

Rural technology associations and bases will each receive 200,000 yuan (US$25,000). Individual winners will receive 50,000 yuan (US$6,250) and ethnic minority work teams 500,000 yuan (US$62,500).

The rewards will be used to buy popular science material and equipment, and organize training lectures and exhibitions for farmers and young people in the countryside.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2006)