(Yicai Global) June 29 -- China's mainland stock markets began the week lower after major US stock benchmarks fell over 2 percent during the previous trading day. But agricultural firms bucked the downward trend.

The Shanghai Composite Index declined 0.22 percent to 2,973.08. The Shenzhen Component Index was at 11,780.65, down 0.28 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, slid 0.27 percent to 2,375.99.

Farming stocks rose more than 1 percent, with some of the best performers including Heilongjiang Agriculture which climbed over 5 percent. Meanwhile, hotel operators and securities brokers suffered the largest losses.

Editor: Emmi Laine