A recent State Council report highlights the pivotal role of northern regions in China’s farmland protection strategy. Submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the report underscores the significance of Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Jilin, and Xinjiang in safeguarding the nation’s agricultural future.
The report reveals that these five provincial-level regions account for nearly 40 percent of China’s total arable land, which stands at approximately 1.93 billion mu (128.67 million hectares). This substantial contribution is vital for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices across the country.
Notably, the total farmland has expanded by 11.2 million mu since the third national land survey. This growth is attributed to ongoing efforts to steadily increase farmland in southern regions and to enhance the legal framework governing farmland protection. These measures reflect China’s commitment to balancing agricultural expansion with environmental stewardship.
Despite these advancements, northern regions continue to face significant challenges. Water shortages and over-farming remain pressing issues that threaten farmland sustainability. The report emphasizes the urgent need to optimize farmland distribution nationwide to address these challenges effectively.
Moving forward, the report calls for strategic initiatives to further optimize the allocation of farmland, ensuring that agricultural development aligns with environmental sustainability and resource availability. By tackling these issues head-on, China aims to maintain its agricultural productivity while promoting long-term ecological balance.
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Report highlights north China's crucial role in farmland protection
cgtn.com
