China works to stabilize 2011 grain output
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China will take a series of measures to stabilize its grain output amid growing food security concerns caused by the lingering drought hitting several parts of the country.
According to a meeting of the State Council on Thursday, China will keep its 2011 grain output over 1 trillion jin (500 million tonnes).
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Farmers begin to sow seeds in China. |
The government is striving to make 2011 the eighth consecutive year of good harvests. According to the Report on China's Economic and Social Development Plan passed by the National People's Congress (NPC), China will increase the output of cotton, oilseed, sugar crops, meat and aquatic products to reach 6.8 million, 32.5 million, 125 million, 80 million and 54.3 million tons, respectively, up 13.9%, 0.3%, 3.8%, 0.9% and 1.2% from last year.
There is an international concern that China's grain harvest could be lower this year and that the country would need to import more as a result, triggering a hike in global prices.
However, China is likely to reap a good summer harvest this year as drought has not made serious impact on production of winter wheat and summer grain, said the Vice Minister of Agriculture Wei Chao'an in Beijing on March 12.
The overall situation of summer grain production is good, Wei said, referring to increased planting areas, adequate moisture before winter and good seedings.
The continuous widespread drought, which threatened winter wheat production, has been effectively alleviated due to government's anti-drought measures and rains, he said.
China's grain output rose 2.9 percent year on year to 546.41 million tonnes in 2010, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth for China's grain output.
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