SCIO briefing on safeguarding China's food security and supply
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E-mail China.org.cn, June 6, 2023
China Media Group:
General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized the critical importance of maintaining Chinese people's food security firmly within our own hands. So, how does our country's food security look like this year? In terms of comprehensively strengthening the foundation of food security and ensuring the supply of grains and essential agricultural products, what measures will the food and reserve departments take? Thank you.
Cong Liang:
I'm glad to answer your questions. General Secretary Xi Jinping, in his report to the 20th CPC National Congress, reviewed and summarized the work of the past five years and highlighted the significant changes of the new era over the past decade. He pointed out, China "ranks first in the world in terms of grain output, and it has ensured food and energy security for its more than 1.4 billion people." During his visit to the fifth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), where he met with members from the agricultural, social welfare, and social security sectors, he underscored: "Through strenuous efforts, China is now capable of feeding nearly one-fifth of the global population with 9% of the world's arable land and 6% of the freshwater resources. From the time when the country had an underfed population of 400 million, to today, when its 1.4 billion people are eating well with a great range of choices, we have effectively answered the question of 'who will feed China?'" This concise summary provides the most accurate assessment of China's food security situation since the 18th CPC National Congress. To provide further evidence, we can illustrate it through "three areas of greater strength."
First, we have enhanced our capacity to guarantee production. The development of functional grain production areas and protected areas for important agricultural products is progressing steadily. Currently, cultivated areas for grain production remain stable at around 1.75 billion mu (1.17 million square kilometers). Approximately 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland has been established, and there are continuous improvements in agricultural technology and mechanization. With the comprehensive implementation of the latest round of the action plan to increase grain production capacity by 100 billion jin (50 billion kilograms), the foundation of grain production will be further strengthened.
Second, our capacity to guarantee supply has increased. The scale, structure and distribution of government grain reserves have continued to be optimized, with the inventory of grain and oil reserves exceeding 15 days' worth in main urban areas of 36 large and medium-sized cities and areas more susceptible to market fluctuations. Inventories of various grain enterprises are at a relatively high level, with noticeable increases in the commodity stockpiles of some enterprises compared to previous years. Additionally, coupled with the grain stored by rural households, our overall social grain reserves have become more diverse, providing a stronger guarantee.
Third, we have a stronger capacity for regulation and emergency support. Various enterprises have an average annual grain procurement volume of around 800 billion jin, effectively safeguarding the interests of grain-producing farmers. Targeted and orderly policy-oriented grain releases have satisfactorily met the grain demand of enterprises. Gradually, well-established grain emergency response plans and operational mechanisms have been implemented across different regions. The number of grain emergency support centers and enterprises continues to grow.
Next, in accordance with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, we will focus on ensuring a stable supply of grain and important agricultural products, maintaining overall market stability, and prioritizing the following three aspects of our work. First, we will carefully organize grain procurement. We will provide guidance to localities and relevant enterprises to ensure market-oriented and policy-based procurement, see responsibilities are fulfilled by all the stakeholders, and ensure that there are personnel, funds, warehouses, and transportation for grain collection, ensuring that every grain is safely stored. Second, we will strengthen the regulation and adjustment of grain reserves. We will closely monitor important periods and key areas, strengthen the organization and distribution of grain sources, accurately grasp the timing, scale, and effectiveness of policy-based grain releases, and effectively meet the market's consumption demands. Third, we will improve and perfect the grain market's monitoring and early warning system. We will continuously enhance the foresight, timeliness, and targeted nature of monitoring and early warning, promptly identifying and addressing potential issues, emerging trends and latent problems. Thank you.
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