China plans to raise grain output in 2013

Chinese agriculture minister Han Changfu said specific regions in the country will take advantage of their agricultural features to increase the acreage of high-yield crops.

According to a Xinhua News Agency report, Han called on agricultural departments at all levels to increase subsidies for farmers and take steps to reduce grain output losses from unfavourable factors, such as weather-related disasters.

Weather forecasters have said a lack of rainfall could result in a spring drought in 2013. Taking note of the warning, the agriculture ministry has decided to encourage earlier planting this year and put more labourers to work, the report revealed.

Raising grain output and increasing farming subsidies will be the focus the Chinese government policy for 2013.

China’s grain output rose 3.2 per cent year-on-year to a record 590mn tonnes, the ninth straight year of growth, Xinhua said.