Progress seen in domestic soybean production

Tang Renjian, director of the Central Rural Work Leading Group Office, said on Tuesday that steady progress has been made in growing soybeans on barren saline and alkaline land, which will help make the nation more capable of expanding domestic production of soybean crops that have been heavily dependent on imports.

"The pilot programs in some areas have yielded good results," said Tang, who is also the minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

While speaking at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, he said efforts are being made to increase the number of soybean plantations.

Farmers are encouraged to intercrop soybeans and corn in multiple areas. They should also rotate the two crops in Northeast China and in the vast areas surrounding the Yellow and Huaihe rivers.

The move is part of a broader effort by central authorities to bolster domestic growth of soybeans, which are a staple food in China and are also used to make cooking oil.

Tang said ensuring food security is paramount in China's quest to become a global agricultural powerhouse.

Despite the COVID-19 epidemic and natural disasters last year, the country managed to keep annual food output above 650 million metric tons for the eighth consecutive year. The achievement was also realized as the cost of agricultural materials increased and amid fluctuating foods price across the globe, he said.