April 9, 2009

China has set the annual grain output capacity to more than 550 million tonnes as of 2020, an increase of 50 million tonnes over the next 12 years to ensure grain security.

The plan was approved by the country's State Council at a meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday (Apr 8).

The government urged efforts to ensure a minimum of 1.8 billion mu of arable land, 1.56 billion mu of prime farmland and 1.58 billion mu of grain sown area by 2020. As of April 1 this year, the total area of arable land stood at about 1.826 billion mu.

By ensuring grain security for the country's 1.3 billion people, the council believes that it plays an essential role in boosting domestic demand and tackling the current financial downturn.

However, the growing population and improved living standards have driven up demand which in turn challenge the assurance of grain security.

Efforts should be made to increase grain output such as upgrading low-yield farmland, promoting key technologies, enhancing agricultural mechanization and strengthening prevention of diseases and pests. Agriculture infrastructure and water facilities should also be improved.

Meanwhile, the local governments should increase their funds on ensuring grain security and encourage financial institutions, agricultural enterprises and farmers to increase input.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, China had its fifth consecutive bumper harvest in 2008 and the country produced about 528.5 million tonnes of grain, an on-year increase of 5.4 percent.