Premier Li Keqiang has encouraged farmers in Heilongjiang province to plant more crops next year to ensure their own prosperity as well as the nation's food safety.

"As the largest grain producer, Heilongjiang is embracing a good harvest this year in the wake of a devastating flood. The province showed a strong capability to fight against natural disasters as well as its great potential for grain output," Li said during a visit to the province on Monday.

Li said grain is like a golden mountain, which lays the foundation of the nation, as he visited a local grain depot in Nongqiao township, in Fuyuan county.