China Vows Self-Sufficiency in Rice, Aims to Cut Corn Glut
- Maintains plan to cut corn stockpile, acreage in 2017
- Will tackle agriculture pollution and treat animal waste
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China, the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of corn, will continue to reduce corn stockpiles and acreage this year as part of agriculture reforms that also include seeking self-sufficiency in rice and wheat.
Falling domestic corn prices after the government ended its price-support system last year should lead farmers to reduce acreage this year, Agriculture Minister Han Changfu said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual National People’s Congress in Beijing. The reform has spurred market demand and led to the restarting of corn processors which were previously halted, he said.