The French president Emmanuel Macron says he is planning to visit China in early April, in what would be his first trip to the country since 2019.

Emmanuel Macron made the comments on the opening day of the annual Paris Agriculture Show.

Ukraine says it is currently looking at a position paper for peace presented by China and the French leader also told journalists at the show that Chinese engagement in trying to find a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict was a 'good thing.'

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This year's agriculture show began one day after the anniversary of the start of the conflict in Ukraine, which ultimately led last year to rocketing cereal prices and disruptions to grain exports to developing countries.

The message from Macron was that the French government is ready to help farmers with grain prices if they continue to suffer from market pressure.

There was a mixed reception for the president, who was making what is a customary visit by the French head of state to the country's biggest agricultural fair.

Macron is well-known for enjoying debating with the public and many exhibitors and visitors took the chance to question the president on a range of issues, including the government's controversial pension reform, the climate crisis, and the French legacy in Africa.

Winter drought drags on

The show in southern Paris opened under another day of clear skies and sunshine, as France continues to suffer from a winter drought.

The country has gone more than 30 consecutive days without the kind of rainfall that would be expected at this time of year, raising fears that spring and summer water-use controls may be needed.

"The nation needs to do with water what has been done with energy, a form of saving plan," said the French president. "That is to say that we must all — citizens, industrialists, services, local authorities, farmers — pay attention to this resource which is becoming rare.

"This is what I said at the end of the summer, it is the end of abundance."

The Paris Agriculture Show brings together traditional livestock displays of different breeds of cattle, along with sheep, pigs, and goats.

There are also hundreds of stands showcasing everything from agriculture technology and new fish-farming techniques, to the protection of France's forests and animal welfare.

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