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China has potential to increase grain output

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-28 18:33

BEIJING - China has the capacity to enhance grain output by improving planting techniques and expanding farmland, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said in a report released Friday.

Right now, only 48 percent to 63 percent of China's four major crops -- rice, wheat, corn and soy -- meet high yield standards.

The output of those crops was expected to increase by 57.5 million tonnes by 2020 if China completes the above suggestions. For example, crop-growing areas were set to expand by 3.33 million hectares, said the report.

The country has also tightened measures to preserve 120 million hectares of croplands by 2020 by banning any commercial use of farmland.

With a population of more than 1.3 billion, China relies mainly on domestic production for food.