December 23, 2005

China's winter wheat acreage stable at 21.47 million hectares

China's total winter wheat acreage reached 21.47 million hectares in the October to November planting season, almost unchanged from the same period in 2004, according to statistics posted on the Ministry of Agriculture's website Friday.

The National Bureau of Statistics had expected winter wheat acreage to reach 21.14 million hectares, based on a survery of farmers at the beginning of the year.

In order to encourage farmers to use more high quality wheat seeds, the government spent RMB1 billion (US$123.92 million) in subsidies on high quality winter wheat seeds, up from RMB100 million a year earlier. The government also extended subsidies to 11 provinces compared with six last year.

However, rapeseed acreage decreased slightly, while vegetable aceage increased a little, the report said without further elaboration.

The wheat and rapeseed crops are progressing well and are in good condition so far, the report said.