Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changfu responds to concerns about food security.

On May 22, the Third Session of the 13th National People’s Congress opened. Following the session, the first “Ministerial Passage” press conference was held, inviting heads of relevant State Council ministries and commissions who were attending the session as non-voting participants to take part in interviews via video link. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changfu fielded questions from reporters on issues including food security, hog production, and poverty alleviation through industrial development.

A bumper grain harvest is in sight; harvesting can begin after the Two Sessions.

Since the COVID‑19 pandemic began spreading globally, the international food market has experienced significant volatility, and food security has once again become a major public concern. A reporter asked: What is the outlook for China’s grain production this year, and is food security adequately assured?

Han Changfu stated that food security has long been a matter of public concern. Particularly this year, as the global COVID‑19 pandemic has spread, some countries have increased their grain reserves, while others have imposed restrictions on grain exports. In response to concerns about whether China might face a food crisis, Han Changfu firmly affirmed that China will not experience one, reassuring the public with four key points: consecutive bumper harvests, ample stockpiles, absolute food‑supply security, and full control over our own food supply.

Han Changfu stated that China has enjoyed consecutive bumper harvests for more than a decade, with last year’s output reaching 1.3277 trillion jin. Moreover, grain production has remained above 1.3 trillion jin for five years running, demonstrating that the country now possesses the requisite production capacity. Today, per capita grain availability nationwide far exceeds the food‑security threshold set by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. With self-sufficiency in the two major staple grains—rice and wheat—standing at 100 percent, current stockpiles exceed one year’s production, enough to feed the entire population for an entire year. Therefore, we have full confidence and solid grounds to ensure food security.

Of course, we must never relax our efforts in grain production, especially amid the global pandemic and economic downturn. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that the greater the risks and challenges, the more crucial it is to stabilize agriculture and ensure the security of both grain supplies and essential food products. This year, in response to the impact of COVID‑19, the central government has implemented a series of extraordinary measures to safeguard grain production. For example, it issued guidelines for spring farming, set specific grain‑production targets, and introduced a package of policies and measures. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has successfully balanced epidemic prevention with spring‑time agricultural work. Based on current production‑monitoring data, the overall outlook for agricultural output remains favorable: spring sowing is now about 90 percent complete, with planted acreage remaining stable and even expanding, projected at over 910 million mu, and largely concentrated in peak‑yield periods. Early rice acreage has increased by 4.7 million mu this year, bringing the total to 71 million mu, marking a recovery‑driven expansion. In particular, this year’s summer wheat crop is developing better than average; metrics such as spikes per mu, grains per spike, and the anticipated 1,000‑grain weight are all strong, suggesting a bountiful harvest—harvesting can begin shortly after the Two Sessions.

Going forward, in line with the tasks outlined in the Government Work Report, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will continue to ensure this year’s grain production is carried out rigorously and effectively, leaving no step or measure unattended. Specifically, attention will be focused on the following key areas: First, strengthening disaster prevention and mitigation efforts to guard against major pests and diseases—such as the fall armyworm—as well as adverse weather events. Second, ensuring the effective implementation of policies, including raising the minimum purchase price for rice and conducting timely procurement to safeguard farmers’ enthusiasm for grain production. Third, putting into practice the strategies of “storing grain in the land” and “storing grain in technology,” with a target of completing high-standard farmland construction on 80 million mu this year. In short, we will maintain unwavering commitment to grain production this year, making every effort to keep grain output stable at 1.3 trillion jin and securing a bumper harvest in this year of moderate prosperity.

Source: AgroPages (World Agrochemical Network)