China is making significant strides in ensuring food security as more than 60 million mu (4 million hectares) of wheat, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the national total, have been harvested as of Monday evening. This robust harvest is part of the country's strategy to stabilize grain output and maintain a steady food supply for its population.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has reported that various support measures are in place to facilitate the wheat harvest across the nation. These supports aim to assist farmers in maximizing their yield and ensuring that the harvest proceeds smoothly.
Looking ahead, the China Meteorological Administration has forecast favorable weather conditions for the collection and drying of crops in the coming days, which will further aid in the timely processing of the harvested wheat.
In 2023, China's grain output reached a record high of 695.41 million tonnes, marking the ninth consecutive year with grain harvests exceeding 650 million tonnes. However, it's worth noting that the national wheat output saw a slight decline of 0.8 percent, totaling 136.59 million tonnes.
The Chinese government continues to prioritize food security, with efforts to empower citizens to secure their own food supplies. In 2023, the central government increased the minimum purchase prices of wheat and rice and enhanced grain subsidy policies for corn and soybean farmers to encourage grain cultivation.
Looking forward, the 2024 government work report emphasizes the improvement of systems for grain production, storage, and processing. Comprehensive steps will be taken to consolidate the foundation of food security, ensuring that China remains resilient in the face of global food challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
