China to stabilise grain production, ensure livestock supply in 2022
Food security is a growing issue
27 December 2021
2 minute read
China will stabilise corn production and expand soybean output in the new year to ensure grain security, the Communist Party's People's Daily quoted the agriculture minister as saying on Monday.
"Safeguarding supply security of grains, and important agricultural and sideline products is always our top task and main priority," Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Tang Renjian said in an interview with People's Daily.
"Agricultural and rural affairs departments must devote every effort to grain production, with the attitude of conducting a desperate fight, and with extraordinary and super strength."
Tang's comments come against the backdrop of lingering concern over food security in the world's most populous country as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt food supply chains and logistics across the globe, reported Reuters.
China's soybean output this year dropped sharply from last year while corn production increased as farmers sought to take advantage of better profitability.
Tang called for abandoned land to be cultivated while maximising the potential of intercropping to ensure stable grains acreage in 2022, People's Daily reported.
The minister's messages followed the two-day annual central rural work conference held over the weekend, where China's central leadership delivered similar guidelines on stable grain production and oilseed expansion, according to a state media report late on Sunday.
Beijing vowed to safeguard grain security and ensure effective supplies of livestock, fish farming products and vegetables in 2022, the Xinhua news agency reported, citing comments made at the conference.
"Ensuring the supplies of primary products is a major strategic issue," Chinese President Xi Jinping said before the conference.
President Xi also urged protection of farmland and safeguarding of grain acreage and output in both main production and consumption areas, Xinhua reported.
Agricultural materials supplies and prices must be secured, Premier Li Keqiang said at a meeting of the State Council, or the cabinet, the same Xinhua report said.
Source: Reuters
