August 15, 2008

China to guarantee 120 million hectares of farmland until 2020

China's State Council on Wednesday (August 13, 2008) approved the general outline of a land use plan for the 2006-2020 period which would guarantee a minimum of 120 million hectares of arable land for the nation.

The approval comes amid concerns about grain security as the country's rapid pace of industrialization increasingly encroaches on farmland, putting the nation's grain security at risk.

The State Council agreed at an executive meeting the plan to make sure the area of the country's arable land remains at 121 million ha by 2010 and no less than 120 million ha by 2020.

The outline called for a guaranteed 120 million hectares of arable land to ensure grain security, economic and social stability, according to the meeting, presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The outline also called for tightened restrictions on the acquisition of farmland for construction of housing and factories and urged local authorities to intensify monitoring of land use.

According to the outline, efforts would be made to improve land using efficiency and achieve a structure balance between the ecological land use and lands for other usage.

Chief leaders of local governments will be held accountable for the implementation of land use plans.