September 5, 2007

China optimistic about autumn grain output
 

China's autumn grain output will likely be at least as much as last year despite drought and floods, although bad weather and pests remain a threat before the harvest, said an agricultural official Wednesday (Sep 5).

Overall paddy output may increase slightly from last year's 133.5 million tonnes, as the unit yields of midseason paddy increased, offsetting a reduction in late paddy output due to a drought, said Wang Shoucong, deputy chief of the planting management department under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Corn output has been less affected by the weather and will easily reach the same level as last year, Wang said, adding the final output figure will be known mid-October.

China's corn output in 2006 totalled 145.5 million tonnes, according to data from China National Grain and Oils Information Centre.

The centre had forecast corn output at 149 million tonnes this year due to increased acreage.

Autumn grain output accounts for 70 percent of the country's total grain output.

However, the worst-ever drought in some regions of north-east China will have a big impact on soybean output, and the reduction will be "significant," said Wang.

Possible early frost before the end of September, a pest outbreak and cold weather in southern China could threaten final autumn grain output, Wang added.

The government is concerned natural disasters this year could cause a bad harvest, further raising already high inflation.