June 4, 2012

China awaits huge summer grain crop

China will gather a high level of summer grain yield this year, mostly wheat and early-season rice, according to the Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu's estimate Thursday (May 31).

The haul of summer grain is crucial to boost the entire year's grain production, Han said while addressing a wheat harvest launching ceremony in Anhui province.

Meanwhile, output per hectare may hit a record high, said Han without giving specific numbers. He predicted in early March that the crop yield will top 120 million tonnes this summer, 2.5 million tonnes more than a year ago.

Also at the ceremony, Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu said securing a good harvest of summer grain crops will help ensure supplies of farm produce and will be of great importance to promoting sound economic and social development.

Hui called for efforts to be stepped up to boost the harvest.

The country's grain output hit a high of 571.21 million tonnes in 2011, marking eight consecutive years of growth.