November 6, 2006

China's 2006 corn output expected to be up 1.9 percent on-year

The China National Grain and Oil Information Centre said that the country's corn production for 2006 would probably increase 1.9 percent on-year to 142 million tonnes Monday (Nov 6).

Higher corn production is expected in major growing regions, contributing to the better forecast for China's corn output, the government-backed think-tank said.

This year, corn output would probably reach 12.75 million tonnes in Heilongjiang province and 19.66 million tonnes in Jilin province.

Corn production of Heilongjiang and Jilin, two major corn growing regions in China's north-east, was at 10.43 million tonnes and 18.01 million tonnes respectively in 2005.

CNGOIC increased its forecast for the 2006 corn output by 1 million tonnes, compared with last month, as the ongoing harvest has been smooth, thanks to the delayed frost.

The following table includes CNGOIC's estimates in August of this year's output and acreage of major crops.