Grain production took a favorable turn last year, but some concerns remain. The Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) noted that population, grain demand and factors influencing grain production are all increasing, but farmland and grain production are decreasing and motivation to plant is not high. These factors have a negative impact on grain supply security and restrict economic development.

The CAPD proposal addresses such issues as layout of basic farming areas, quality appraisal of farmland, adjustment of the investment structure, establishment of a grain supply security monitoring and early-warning system and direct subsidies for farmers.

It also urges ending the misuse of farmland and using technology to solve the grain problem.

The Ministry of Agriculture studied the proposal together with the ministries of finance and land and resources, and found it to be a comprehensive and honest analysis of grain production in China that offered valuable advice.

Some of the suggestions contained in the proposal have been adopted and others are expected to be implemented after further research.

(China.org.cn March 11, 2005)