China speeding up efforts to secure autumn grain harvest

BEIJING -- China has been in a rush to harvest autumn grains, the mainstay of the country's annual grain production, as it seeks to achieve another bumper harvest this year despite unfavorable weather conditions affecting some regions.

Latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs showed that so far, more than 60 percent of the nation's autumn grain crops have been harvested. Autumn grains typically account for around three-quarters of the nation's annual grain output.

In terms of crop categories, 70 percent of mid-season rice crops have been harvested, compared to 50 percent for corn and 80 percent for soybeans, according to the data.

The ministry updated this progress as rainy conditions have persisted in multiple Chinese regions since September. The Chinese central and local governments have taken urgent response measures, including accelerating funding support for various localities to speed up harvest progress.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the country has allocated 484 million yuan (about $68 million) from the central budget to support agricultural disaster prevention and relief work in response to the recent persistent rains.

The funds would particularly support the seven provinces of Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong, Henan and Shaanxi, in their efforts to harvest autumn grains with agricultural machinery, dry damp grains, and drain waterlogged farmlands, the ministry announced last week.

Early this week, Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong also called for all-out efforts to ensure a bumper autumn grain harvest by coordinating the deployment of essential agricultural machinery and ensuring the timely drying of harvested grain to prevent spoilage.

To boost public awareness of food security on World Food Day, which falls on Thursday, Chinese authorities are conducting themed promotional activities this week, calling on the public to stop food waste.

In recent years, campaigns like "clean your plates" and reminders about avoiding food waste have become common in restaurants and other dining spaces in China, as saving food is increasingly a consensus and a habit that respects farmers' hard work.

Government data showed that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China's food security was further consolidated, with the country enjoying sufficient food supplies and stable food market operations.

The country's annual grain output has remained above 650 million tonnes over the past five years. In 2024, its grain output exceeded 700 million tonnes for the first time, and per capita grain possession reached 500 kilograms, higher than the internationally recognized food security line of 400 kilograms, the data showed.

Liu Huanxin, head of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, said recently that China has achieved basic self-sufficiency in grains and absolute security in staple food.

Beyond its domestic achievements, China has also actively sought to deepen international cooperation in food and agriculture, playing a key role in advancing the global food industry and safeguarding food security worldwide, the official said.

This effort is reflected in the country's initiatives to share agricultural expertise with other developing nations, through technology exchanges, joint research and training programs, and active participation in global food governance.