January 8, 2007

 

China corn output to rise 2 percent in 2007

 

 

China's corn production in 2007 could rise to 2 percent from 2006's estimated 142 million tonnes, said the China National Grain and Oils Information Centre on Monday, Jan 8.

 

Chinese corn, wheat and soyoil prices soared after the 2006 harvest, feeding inflation and fuelling a debate on food security as the country also promotes biofuels.

 

CNGOIC expects acreage planted with corn, rice and rapeseed to rise, while wheat and soybean acreage could fall in 2007.

 

The forecast for major grains and oilseeds:

 

                      2007*              2006*              2005

January estimate Production (in million tonnes):

Corn               145.00              142.00            139.37

Wheat             99.50                102.97            97.45

of which:

 

  Winter wheat    ~                   97.80            91.43

  Rice              186.80               180.74          180.60

  Soybean       15.60                 15.50            16.35

  Rapeseed      12.70                 12.20            13.05

 

Planted area (in million hectares):

  Corn             27.35                27.05            26.4

  Wheat#         22.80                23.27            22.8

  Rice              29.30                29.20            28.8

  Soybean        8.90                 9.10              9.6

  Rapeseed       7.05                 6.70             7.2

  Note:

~ Not available; * Production and areas are estimates.