China producing more grain than ever, but imports and shortfall still a problem
Agriculture minister Han Changfu says population increase and urbanisation drive will create need for more capacity at home
China substantially boosted grain production last year – its 12th consecutive annual increase – but it still fails to meet demand.
The country is expected to see a large jump in population and it is undergoing a massive urbanisation, drive, said the agriculture minister.
While Han Changfu said the mainland would continue to value grain production, he also vows to strengthen supervision of agricultural food safety and called on domestic dairy producers to improve their product quality to regain public trust.
“People are not confident with our own milk powder and many go abroad to scramble [for it],” Han said at a National People’s Congress press conference on Monday . “You buy their products and send money to them. However, they set up a quota for your purchases. It’s a shame for our dairy industry’s employees.”
In addition to upgrading the dairy sector, authorities want to focus on reducing corn inventory and boosting bean supply.
Corn stock has risen rapidly, reaching 93 million tonnes this year - the largest in the world – thanks to government-subsidised buying prices implemented a decade ago.