China surpasses halfway point in winter wheat harvest

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reported that 190 million mu (12.67 million hectares) of winter wheat have been harvested, Xinhua reported on Thursday.

The ministry is supporting the harvest by deploying more efficient, large-scale crop harvesters nationwide. Favourable weather forecasts from the China Meteorological Administration will support crop harvesting and drying in the upcoming days.

China’s summer harvest typically takes place from May to late June, emphasising winter wheat and rapeseed. In 2023, China set a new record with a grain output of 695.41 million tons, marking the ninth consecutive year exceeding 650 million tons.

China’s 2024 government work report underscores the nation’s dedication to food security. The report outlines plan to:

• Strengthen grain production, storage, and processing systems.
• Implement comprehensive measures to solidify the foundation of food security.