China intensifies grain production to meet demand surge

Burgeoning demand for rice and pork has increased pressure on China's food production infrastructure, but Beijing is confident it can feed the world's most populous nation.

Chinese Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu says Beijing is ensuring food security is sound as grain production capacity is on a steady rise. He says grain reserves are abundant and staple agricultural produce is in sufficient supply, while food prices are remaining relatively stable.

However, he said Beijing is "keenly aware that China has a large population, agricultural infrastructure is weak, economic and social development in rural areas has fallen behind and there is a growing income gap between urban and rural areas". Mr. Hui also acknowledged that the global financial crisis has heaped new pressures and challenges for China.