April 20, 2020

China's agriculture industry faces ASF and COVID-19 challenges this year

An official from the agriculture ministry said the country's farm and market operations will be affected by African swine fever (ASF) and imported COVID-19 cases, reported Reuters.

Yu Kangzhen, Deputy Minister also projected that pests, floods and drought would affect China' agriculture production for the year.

He added that ASF has increased the risks of swine transportation and imported COVID-19 cases could add pressure on livestock production.

A nationwide lockdown and quarantines imposed due to COVID-19 disrupted supply chains in China and make it tough for industries to source for workers.

Yu said some countries have introduced measures to restrict food exports and boost procurement reserves, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating major price fluctuations in global trade and markets.

Yu added that if COVID-19 continues to spread, the international food trade will be badly affected and cause a food crisis.

He said meat consumption in China is projected to recover with production resuming.

Agriculture Minister Han Changfu said no food crisis will happen in China, as the country is able to secure grain and other major agriculture supplies.

-  Reuters