December 26, 2023
China prioritises higher grain yields to ensure food security
In an annual rural policy meeting, China, the world's leading purchaser of soy and corn, unveiled plans to enhance grain yields across extensive farmland to safeguard food security for its vast population, Channel News Asia reported.
Despite achieving record corn crops and abundant harvests of other grains this year, Beijing remains vigilant about food security amidst escalating tensions with trade partners, climate-related challenges, and military conflicts.
China reported a record-breaking corn production of 289 million metric tonnes this year, attributed largely to a 2.7% increase in planted acreage. Authorities reclaimed land previously used for other crops, emphasising the strategic importance of staple grains. In discussions at the annual meeting, policymakers affirmed China's commitment to "stabilise" grain sowing areas and "promote large-scale increases in grain yields," according to Xinhua news agency.
While specific measures to boost yields were not outlined, Chinese corn breeders are gearing up to plant more than double the amount of genetically modified corn next year, compared to 2023. This move aligns with Beijing's gradual introduction of technology known for lifting yields.
Policymakers also called for the need to consolidate the results of soybean expansion. Over the last two years, China has significantly increased domestic soybean production to reduce reliance on overseas imports. But this policy has led to excess production of non-genetically modified soybeans for food use, prompting Beijing to acquire some supplies for state reserves.
To further fortify its agricultural landscape, policymakers highlighted the importance of strengthening the protection of arable land. They called for an acceleration in the revitalisation of the seed industry and prioritised the construction of high-standard farmland in the northeast, renowned for its fertile black soil and considered the country's breadbasket.
- Channel News Asia
