January 9, 2006

China targets 500 million tonnes grain output by 2010
 

China's agriculture ministry said it has set a target for domestic grain output to reach 500 million tonnes by 2010. From 2006 to 2010, the ministry would seek to raise grain production capacity in the country by five million tonnes annually.

The ministry would focus efforts on planting high-yield strains of rice, wheat, corn and soybeans in order to meet the objective. Encouraging usage of organic fertilisers, enhancing preventive and control measures on insect pests and increasing support for development of key rural enterprises are other measures to be undertaken.