China expects good autumn harvest, barring disaster

China's harvest of autumn crops should be good, barring any major disasters in the latter half of this year, Minister of Agriculture Sun Zhengcai said Monday (September 21).

Farmers are making good progress in harvesting corn, soy and rice so far, Sun told a news conference.

He said 38.5 percent of the rice crop has been harvested so far, 24.6 percent of corn crops and 24.5 percent of soy.

In southwestern China, where harvesting began early, 72.3 percent of crops have been harvested, Sun said.