China has witnessed another year of abundant agricultural success, achieving a bumper summer grain harvest in 2024. According to a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics on Friday, the total summer grain output reached 149.78 million tonnes, marking an increase of 2.5 percent or nearly 3.63 million tonnes compared to the previous year.
The country’s summer grain sown area expanded slightly to 26.613 million hectares in 2024, an increase of 4,500 hectares from last year, maintaining overall stability. Notably, over 23 million hectares were sown with wheat, up 0.1 percent year on year, underscoring China’s commitment to ensuring food security.
Increased Yields Reflect Agricultural Advancements
This year’s summer grain yield averaged 5,628 kilograms per hectare, an improvement of 2.5 percent or 135.4 kilograms over the previous year. Henan Province, located in central China, led the nation with a summer grain yield of nearly 37.86 million tonnes, the highest at the provincial level, showcasing the region’s significant contribution to the country’s grain production.
Government Initiatives Bolster Harvest Success
In May, the Chinese government emphasized the importance of securing a bumper summer grain harvest and promoting innovative agricultural development. Efforts were called for enhancing cross-regional mechanized harvesting, preventing and controlling agricultural disasters, and preparing for summer sowing.
To ensure the sustainability of grain production and farmers’ livelihoods, the country stressed the importance of observing minimum grain purchase prices. This policy aims to guarantee that farmers receive fair compensation for their crops, encouraging continued investment in agriculture.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com