January 29, 2024

China achieves record soybean output

China has reported a historic soybean output of 20.84 million tonnes in 2023, marking a significant milestone, as revealed by the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xinhua reported.

According to Vice Minister Deng Xiaogang, the country's soybean planting area expanded to 157 million mu (approximately 10.47 million hectares) last year. Additionally, the cultivation area for oilseed crops surpassed 200 million mu, showcasing China's dedication to enhancing self-sufficiency in key agricultural products.

In a press conference, Deng Xiaogang highlighted the positive impact of agricultural development on poverty alleviation, noting that a total of 33.969 million individuals were employed in 2023, surpassing the annual target by 3.777 million. The revitalisation of the seed industry also yielded encouraging outcomes, with over 530,000 new germplasm resources collected.

China's commitment to steady progress in agricultural and rural development throughout 2023 has played a crucial role in supporting economic recovery and promoting high-quality development, affirmed the vice minister.

Earlier data from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed a 1.3% year-on-year increase in China's overall grain output, reaching a record high of 695.41 million tonnes in 2023. This achievement marks the ninth consecutive year with a grain harvest surpassing 650 million tonnes.

The substantial grain reserves and robust output contribute to China's secure position, with the stock-to-use ratio well exceeding the international grain security threshold of 17% to 18%, said Chen Bangxun, an official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

-        Xinhua