Grain harvest foundation for food security

The total grain output in China reached 686.55 billion kilograms this year, up 0.5 percent over the previous year, the National Bureau of Statistics estimated on Monday.

It is the eighth consecutive year that the grain output has remained above 650 billion kg. In addition, the total area sown with grain was 118.33 million hectares, an increase of 0.6 percent over the previous year.

Against the background of a series of adverse factors, this year's harvest has not come easily. This not only reflects the stability of China's grain production and supply, but also the guidance, support and promotion of correct agricultural policies.

In order to ensure its food supply and food security, the country has attached great importance to food production this year and has introduced a series of policy measures to ensure a good harvest.

Authorities at various levels have fully implemented an accountability system for local governors to ensure the acreage sown with grain remains stable and the output of grain remains above 650 billion kg.

Governments have identified key tasks for grain production in 2022 and a package of supporting policies, including one-time subsidies to actual grain farmers to alleviate the increased demand for grain production due to rising agricultural resource prices.

The country pays special attention to protecting black soil, developing its seed industry, promoting agricultural machinery and popularizing agricultural science and technology.

The government subsidizes corn and soybean producers and appropriately raises the minimum purchase prices for rice and wheat to protect farmers' interests in grain production.

Faced with the impact of natural disasters such as drought, a number of disaster relief measures have been introduced at the policy level to minimize the impact and ensure the production and growth of food.

The grain harvest this year has provided strong support for stabilizing the macroeconomy. It has laid a solid foundation for addressing the complex and challenging international environment and overcoming various risks and challenges, and contributed to stabilizing the global grain market and food security.

While ensuring food supplies, the country needs to ensure an effective supply of meat, vegetables, fruits, aquatic products and other foods next year. Although the supply of grains is basically safe, the country still relies on imports for soybeans, feed corn, peanuts and other crops. A diversified food supply system needs to be established to further enhance national food security and food security capacity.

21ST CENTURY BUSINESS HERALD