BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) — China has successfully harvested over 60 million mu (4 million hectares) of wheat, representing nearly 20 percent of the national total, as of Monday evening. This significant progress underscores the nation’s commitment to stabilizing grain output and ensuring food security.
Efforts to support the wheat harvest have been widespread across the country, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Various measures have been implemented to facilitate the collection process.
According to forecasts from the China Meteorological Administration, favorable weather conditions are expected in the coming days, which will further aid in the collection and drying of crops.
In 2023, China achieved a record high grain output of 695.41 million tonnes, marking a 1.3 percent increase compared to the previous year. Notably, this marked the ninth consecutive year of grain harvests surpassing 650 million tonnes. However, the national wheat output saw a slight decrease of 0.8 percent, amounting to 136.59 million tonnes.
The Chinese government’s unwavering commitment to food security is evident in its continuous efforts to empower its citizens in securing their “rice bowls.” Initiatives such as increasing the minimum purchase prices of wheat and rice in 2023, along with enhancing grain subsidy policies for corn and soybean farmers, reflect this dedication.
“We will improve the systems for grain production, storage, and processing, and take comprehensive steps to consolidate the foundation of food security,” stated the 2024 government work report, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the nation’s food supply.
