May 27, 2020

 

China plans food security response action due to global COVID-19 concerns

 

China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said the country will draw up and implement a food security response plan because of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters reported.

 

The NRDC also told parliament that a nationwide medium-to-long-term plan will be created to secure food supplies.

 

The NRDC's announcement comes as global agriculture supply chains have been affected by COVID-19, with concerns it could cause a food crisis.

 

Authorities in China have told state-owned and private companies to increase major agriculture product inventories like corn and soybeans in preparation for possible food supply disruptions.

 

China's Premier Li Keqiang told parliament that it is important to ensure the food supply of its 1.4 billion population.

 

The Premier said the country will retain its total crop acreage and grain output stable this year, increase rice minimum purchase price and provide more rewards to major gain producing countries.

 

China aims to boost swine production and prevent another occurrence of livestock diseases such as African swine fever (ASF).

 

Agriculture Minister Han Changfu said ASF remains a threat to domestic swine production but does not anticipate a surge in pork prices.

 

The country will expand its agriculture imports and guarantee supply of produce such as grains, meat, eggs, edible oils, fruits and vegetables.

 

China relies on imports for soybeans but is finding a way to boost meat imports to supplement dwindling meat supplies caused by ASF.

 

Premier Li added that China will ensure of seed, fertiliser, pesticide and farming machinery supply for its farmers.

 

-      Reuters