September 11, 2006

Output from China's animal husbandry industry exceeds RMB1,300 billion

The value of output from China's animal husbandry sector has surpassed the RMB1300-billion mark, accounting for 34 percent of the country's total value of agricultural production.

The sector contributes RMB600 to the average farmer's income on a per capita basis. It also contributes 50 percent to the per capita income of pasture herders. China's Vice Minister of Agriculture, Zhang Baowen revealed these figures at news conference held on Sep 5.

According to Zhang, China's animal husbandry sector has entered a new phase of development. Traditional animal farming practices are giving way to modern techniques. Productivity level of the sector has improved significantly as a result.

In 2005, China's meat production increased 26.4 percent to 77.4 million tonnes. Poultry and egg output were up 2.4 percent to 28.8 million tonnes. Dairy production registered a more than two-fold increase to 28.6 million tonnes.  The animal husbandry sector is beginning to occupy an increasingly important position in China's agriculture industry.

Zhang added the rapid development of the country's livestock farming industry had also supported the growth of related industries such as the feed industry, livestock product processing industry, animal medicine industry and the food industry. In 2005, the combined value of these industries were above RMB800 billion.