June 5, 2013
China likely to reap bumper harvest of wheat and rice
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China is likely to mark its tenth consecutive year of reaping a bumper harvest of summer grain crops of wheat and rice in 2013, Minister Han Changfu said on June 3, 2013 while observing harvest activities in Zhumadian in central China''s Henan Province.
China''s summer grain crops, which mostly are wheat and early-maturing rice, usually account for about 20% of its annual grain output, while autumn grain crops, which mostly are corn and middle- and late-maturing rice, account for about 80%.
The acreage for summer grain crops topped 415 million mu (27.67 million hectares), up 700,000 mu (46,666 hectares) from last year.
The acreage for summer grain crops topped 415 million mu (27.67 million hectares), up 700,000 mu (46,666 hectares) from last year.About 80% of summer grain crops have been harvested in south-western China. Most wheat is ripe in regions along the Yellow, Huaihe and Haihe rivers, and rapeseed harvest may register increase in acreage, yield and output.
Minister Han noted that this year''s summer crops are stable with slight increase in growing acreage and at an estimated higher yield. This represents the biggest output growth from regions along the Yellow, Huaihe and Haihe rivers.
It is believed that intensified pro-agriculture policy support, effective and timely technical service, efficient disaster preparedness and relief, and favourable climate in general helped such growth. Despite high output baseline, higher production cost and lingering drought in southwest and northwest China, this year may see a tenth consecutive year of growth in summer grain output.
To secure abundant harvest of summer grains, Minister Han called for all-out efforts for the upcoming harvest season. First, strengthen field management for summer grain crops at the late-phase of the growing period and intensify pest and disease prevention and control. Second, intensify coordination in mechanised operation particularly for wheat harvesting. It is estimated that a total of 14 million sets of farm machines are to be put into operation for summer grain harvest, and mechanised harvesting operation for winter wheat may account for 92% of its total growing acreage. To achieve a stable full-year bumper harvest, Minister Han also stressed the importance of follow-up field management practices to lay down solid foundation for the autumn grain harvest.