As of Monday evening, China has harvested more than 60 million mu (4 million hectares) of wheat, accounting for nearly 20% of the nation’s total wheat crop. This significant milestone marks a concerted effort by the country to stabilize grain output and reinforce its commitment to food security.
To facilitate the harvest, various supports have been implemented across the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Favorable weather conditions forecasted by the China Meteorological Administration are expected to further aid in the collection and drying of crops in the coming days.
In 2023, China’s grain output reached a record high of 695.41 million tonnes, a 1.3% increase year-on-year and the ninth consecutive year of harvests exceeding 650 million tonnes. While national wheat output slightly decreased by 0.8% to 136.59 million tonnes, the overall grain production underscores China’s dedication to maintaining robust food supplies.
The central government has taken proactive steps to encourage grain cultivation. In 2023, it increased the minimum purchase prices of wheat and rice and improved subsidy policies for corn and soybean farmers. These measures aim to incentivize farmers and ensure the nation’s “rice bowls” are firmly held in Chinese hands.
“We will improve the systems for grain production, storage, and processing and take comprehensive steps to consolidate the foundation of food security,” stated the 2024 government work report, highlighting the ongoing focus on agricultural stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
