March 7, 2012

China aims 540-million-tonne grain output capability

China will target to stabilise grain, cotton, oilseeds and sugar production in the 2011-15 period mostly by securing sowing acreage and improving unit yields, according to the national development plan for modern agriculture.

The plan targets grain production capacity of more than 540 million tonnes and grain planting area of over 107 million hectares by 2015.

The country's annual cotton output is expected to exceed seven million tonnes by 2015 and the production of oilseeds and sugar crops to surpass 35 million tonnes and 140 million tonnes respectively.

Meanwhile, the nation will continue to raise investment in agriculture over that period and improve subsidy policies for crops planting.

China will optimise regulative mechanism for the farm produce market, steadily increase minimum purchase prices for paddy and wheat, and improve stockpiling policies for corn, soy, rapeseed and cotton, the plan says.