CHINA – China’s grain harvest in 2024 hit a new record high, reaching an all-time high of 1.413 trillion jin (706.5 million tons), surpassing the 700-million-ton threshold for the first time.
This achievement was confirmed by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), marking a 1.6 percent year-on-year increase in total grain production.
The record-breaking harvest follows a consistent trend of strong production, with China having maintained annual grain outputs above 650 million tons for the past nine years.
Notably, the summer grain harvest for 2024 reached 299.78 billion jin, reflecting an increase of 7.48 billion jin compared to the previous year. This positive outcome is attributed to favorable growing conditions and effective crop management.
One of the standout features of this year’s harvest is the growth in autumn crop areas. Despite challenges from natural disasters, which caused only minimal damage, the autumn grain yields were notably higher than in previous years.
Structural adjustments, including an expanded planting area for high-yield corn, played a key role in boosting production. As a result, total cereal output reached 1.3046 trillion jin, an increase of 21.71 billion jin year-on-year.
The autumn grain production, which totaled 1.05687 trillion jin, saw a 1.4 percent increase of 15.03 billion jin, reflecting both an expansion in the sown area and higher yields. The national planting area for grain crops grew to 1.79 billion mu (approximately 119.3 million hectares), up by 5.258 million mu from the previous year.
Government fiscal support for the grain harvest was another crucial factor behind the success.
Wei Fenghua, deputy director of the Rural Division of the NBS, highlighted the role of increased financial backing, including higher minimum purchase prices for wheat and rice, as well as stabilized subsidies for farmland protection.
“This year, China ramped up government fiscal support for grain harvest, by raising minimum purchase prices for wheat and rice, stabilizing subsidies for farmland protection, and increasing other benefits for farmers,” said Wei.
These measures, along with other benefits for farmers, have provided essential support for maintaining stable production levels.
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