June 28, 2006

Increase in China's grain production expected, despite drought

China's grain production in 2006 is expected to continue rising despite the decline in world cereal production, an agricultural experts said Tuesday (Jun 26).

China is likely to have a good harvest this year, said Ma Xiaohe, an agricultural expert with the National Development and Reform Commission.

China's grain production fell consecutively for the five years before 2004 and registered an increase of 3.1 percent in 2005.

Ma attributed the expected growth this year to more planting areas and the government's policy of encouraging crop planting.

His views were supported by Nourddin Mona, China Representative of the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

Sustained drought in June had affected 156 million mu (10.4 million hectares) of cropland nationwide, mostly in the western and northern parts of the country, leading to reports urging China to import more grain this year to make up for a possible decrease in production.

However, Ma said the impact of drought on China's overall grain production this year would be limited due to measures taken.

Since 2004, the Chinese government has increased investment in irrigation in order to reduce the impact of drought on agriculture, he added.

Despite the unfavorable weather, China announced this month a good harvest of summer wheat, which accounts for about 20 percent of China's overall grain output.