Beijing, China
May 6, 2010

On May 6, Han Changfu, Minister of Agriculture presided over a standing meeting on the State Council's instruction on the expansion of japonica rice. Han Changfu stressed that we should be far-sighted, coordinate grain production, and safeguard market supply.

At the meeting, it was pointed out that China had witnessed 6 consecutive years’ grain harvest, achieving basic balance of the total output, but the problem of variety structure was increasingly acute. To certain extent, the core of safeguarding food security was grain, the focus of grain supply was rice, and the key of rice supply lay in japonica rice. Now, it is a precious opportunity to expand the production of japonica rice. Agricultural authorities at all levels should make more efforts and increase inefficiency to seize this opportunity and promote development.

Clear strategies of expanding production of japonica rice at the meeting: first, focus on planning from a visionary perspective. Second, set store by management on the basis of this year’s output increase. It was required at the meeting that we should prioritize on science and technology of japonica rice; promote breeding innovation and relevant technology application, so as to speed up breeding of new varieties and dissemination of new technologies. Agricultural authorities at all levels should take initiative and be innovative, roll out works according to their responsibilities and duties, enhance coordination and synergy, increase efficiency, and promote development of the production of japonica rice.

Website: http://www.agri.gov.cn

Published: May 6, 2010