China is speeding up efforts to modernize its farms and stabilize grain production as part of a plan to secure its food supply, state media reported on Wednesday. The move was outlined during an annual rural policy meeting, where officials emphasized the importance of improving farmers’ incomes and using better agricultural technology and equipment.
This year, China — the world’s largest grain producer — reported a record grain output of 706.5 million metric tons, including 294.92 million tons of corn. Despite this, the country remains reliant on imports, especially as tensions with key trade partners like the United States, Canada, and the European Union threaten to disrupt food supplies.
To boost self-sufficiency, policymakers aim to protect farmland, maintain grain planting areas, and increase yields of key crops like grains and oilseeds. The government will also strengthen policies that support grain production and land quality, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
In a separate announcement, China’s agriculture ministry said it would continue expanding domestic soybean and oilseed production. The ministry also pledged to improve control over pig production and provide support for the beef and dairy sectors, which are struggling with low prices caused by oversupply and slowing demand.
Recent years have seen China increase production of crops like soybeans, corn, and wheat by expanding planting areas and adopting high-yield crop varieties. However, lower demand due to an economic slowdown has driven prices down, particularly for pork, beef, dairy, and poultry.
Authorities are also focused on reducing food waste and stabilizing livestock production, including measures to control the number of breeding pigs and beef cattle. These steps are part of China’s broader effort to become a stronger agricultural power and ensure national food security.
