China’s northern regions have come under the spotlight in a recent State Council report that underscores their vital role in protecting the nation’s farmland. Submitted on Sunday to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for deliberation, the report sheds light on the strategic importance of these regions in ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture.
The five northern provincial-level areas of Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Jilin, and Xinjiang hold nearly 40 percent of China’s arable land. With the country’s total arable land standing at nearly 1.93 billion mu (approximately 128.67 million hectares), these regions are pivotal in feeding the nation and supporting its agricultural economy.
According to the report, there has been an increase of 11.2 million mu in total farmland compared to the figures from the third national land survey. This growth is attributed to China’s ongoing efforts to expand farmland in southern regions and strengthen the legal framework for farmland protection. Such measures aim to balance agricultural development across the country and enhance overall productivity.
However, the northern regions face significant challenges in farmland protection. Issues like water shortages and over-farming have put pressure on these agriculturally rich areas. The report emphasizes the need to optimize farmland distribution nationwide, ensuring that resources are managed efficiently and sustainably.
“Protecting our farmland is not just about preserving our land resources; it’s about safeguarding the nation’s food security and promoting balanced regional development,” the report highlights. It calls for coordinated efforts to address the challenges faced by the northern regions and to implement strategies that support sustainable agricultural practices.
The focus on the northern regions reflects China’s broader commitment to agricultural stability and rural revitalization. As the country continues to navigate environmental and resource constraints, such reports play a crucial role in guiding policies that will shape the future of China’s agricultural landscape.
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Report highlights north China's crucial role in farmland protection
cgtn.com
