China advances food security amid record grain output

China's grain supply and demand remain in a tight balance, and food security must remain a top priority despite record-breaking production, Agriculture Minister Han Jun said during an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing third session of the 14th National People's Congress on Saturday.

Although the country encountered severe weather challenges last year, including extreme heat, droughts and typhoons, its grain output reached a record 700 million metric tons, an increase of 11 million tons from the previous year, Han said.

The per capita grain availability has exceeded the global average, with major staple crops like rice and wheat achieving a self-sufficiency rate above 95 percent.

However, Han noted a structural gap in feed grains, which require imports to balance domestic demand, Han said.

"While our food supply is generally stable, the balance remains tight," he said, adding that total grain consumption will continue to grow.