Economy

China's wheat harvest to rise for 8th year

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-22 10:40

BEIJING -- An official with the Ministry of Agriculture said Tuesday that China will see an output increase of winter wheat for the eighth straight year.

The country has finished harvesting 21 million hectares, or more than 90 percent of its winter wheat crops, the official said anonymously.

Related readings:  Summer wheat harvest is still growing strong  China's summer harvest likely this year: vice-minister  Crops dry up as drought drags on  China raises purchasing price for wheat

As the major produce of summer grains is wheat, the official said the country is highly likely to reap a better summer grains harvest.

The increase is expected to help ensure supplies, stabilize prices and manage inflationary expectations, which will contribute to the steady, relatively fast economic growth and enhance social stability, the official said.

To achieve a stable full-year grain output, efforts should be made to ensure the production of early rice crops with the autumn grain harvest in particular, the official said.

According to the official, the recent flooding in south China is regional and short-term. Damage to the autumn grain can be properly handled.

To ensure ample autumn grain production this year, the ministry urges local agricultural authorities to select the optimal farming season, strengthen field management and minimize pest and disease damage.