The condition of China's winter wheat crop could be the 'worst in history', the agriculture minister said on Saturday, raising concerns about grain supplies in the world's biggest wheat consumer.
A worker is seen next to a machine transporting newly harvested paddy grains to a storage warehouse in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, China October 25, 2019. REUTERS/StringerBEIJING, March 5 - The condition of China's winter wheat crop could be the "worst in history", the agriculture minister said on Saturday, raising concerns about grain supplies in the world's biggest wheat consumer.
The minister's comments underscore concerns about China's grain supply at the same time as the war between Russia and Ukraine, which together account for about 29% of global wheat exports, has disrupted supplies causing wheat prices to surge to 14-year highs. Tang's comments also come as Beijing has refocused on food security, a long-standing priority for the central leadership that has become increasingly prominent in policy since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020.
China will also increase the production of soybeans and other oilseed crops, the NDRC said, reiterating top policy priorities in the farm sector.China's corn imports surged to a record last year, amid soaring domestic prices and low inventories. At the start of the parliament meeting, Premier Li Keqiang said China will ensure key agricultural product supplies this year, including grains.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China dismisses report that it asked Russia to delay invasion of Ukraine until after OlympicsRussia has ramped up assaults on key Ukrainian cities, as President Zelensky pleads for more international assistance and a second round of talks between Ukraine and Russia are set to take place. Follow here for live news updates from on the ground in Ukraine.
Read more »
China asked Russia to wait until after Olympics to invade Ukraine: reportChinese officials in early February asked Russian officials to wait until the Winter Olympics in Beijing had concluded before sending troops into Ukraine, U.S. officials said, according to a report.
Read more »
Music Industry Moves: Capitol Records Launches in ChinaUniversal Music Greater China, a division of Universal Music Group has launched Capitol Records China as a new frontline label focused on signing and developing Chinese music talent, alongside the …
Read more »
China Seeks To Unify Public In Support For RussiaPresident Xi Jinping’s government has tried to distance itself from Russia’s offensive but avoided criticizing Moscow.
Read more »
China seeks to unify public in support for RussiaAs the West condemns Russia, President Vladimir Putin has vocal supporters in China, where the ruling Communist Party tells its people they are fellow targets of U.S.-led harassment
Read more »