China's total grain consumption in the 2005-2006 fiscal year will hit a record 500 million tons, an official with the State Grain and Edible Oil Information Center said.

Per head grain consumption will reach 386.5 kilograms, said the center's director Shang Qiangmin.

He predicted that the country's net grain imports will account for 5.1 percent of total grain consumption over the course of the year.

The center forecast China's rice consumption will amount to 181 million tons this year, and corn consumption 128 million tons, while wheat consumption will drop to 100 million tons.

Meanwhile, soy bean consumption will continue to grow to reach 43 million tons or even higher.

(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2006)