July 17, 2007

China's summer grain output to be up 1.9 percent

China's summer harvest is slated to rise by 1.9 percent this year, making it the first time since 1985 that China has seen four consecutive years of rising summer harvests, China's official state media said on Monday (Jun 16).

Summer grains output is likely to reach 116.1 million tonnes this year, up 2.2 million tonnes from last year, the Agriculture Ministry said.

Summer grains, which make up one fifth of China's total grain production, mainly consist of winter wheat which was planted in October and harvested in May and June.

The ministry said it expected winter wheat production this year to reach 103.1 million tonnes, up 1.6 percent.

Agriculture Minister Sun Zhengcai said relevant departments needed to strengthen their ability to respond to natural disasters to keep losses from drought, floods and pests to a minimum.