In its annual rural policy blueprint, known as the “No. 1 document,” China’s State Council reiterated a recently stated goal to boost grain production capacity by 50 MMT from current production of more than 650 MMT. China will increase its efforts to boost output of soybeans and edible oils. It also will seek to raise corn yields, further support wheat farmers and “vigorously” promote rapeseed production, as well as lesser-known oilseed crops such as camelia, state news agency Xinhua reported.
It will also speed up the commercialization of biotech corn and soybeans, according to the document. No time frame was provided for the launch of GMO corn and soybeans, but many in the market expect a launch this year.
The document said China will fully implement a campaign to reduce soymeal rations in feed, another move to lower its reliance on soybean imports. However, it acknowledged the role played by trade, and said it will “implement the diversification strategy of agricultural product imports thoroughly.”
The document also outlined plans to protect soil and conserve water, while strengthening controls on the use of arable land. It also called for further development of indoor farms, with plans to explore building such facilities in the Gobi and other deserts.
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