China needs stronger agricultural production: Minister

BEIJING - China will increase agricultural production to ensure an adequate and secure food supply.

The goal was unveiled in guidelines to accelerate the transition to modern agriculture, issued last week by the State Council.

"Better production should be the primary objective for the development of modern agriculture," Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu said Tuesday.

Production capacity should always be of prime importance, Han said, adding that modern agriculture was more efficient and environmentally friendly through the use of technology and better trained farmers.

The government is trying to build a more sustainable agricultural sector, keeping high yields while reducing the use of fertilizer and pesticides to control soil and water pollution.

New, creative approaches to industrial chains are needed, as are farm subsidies, loans and training for farmers.

China's summer grain output reached a record high of 141 million tons in 2015 after 11 consecutive years of growth. Chinese people will consume 50 billion kg more food in 2020 than in 2010.

Given the growing appetite, food safety will continue to be prioritized by policymakers, the Ministry of Agriculture said.