China moves to protect agriculture from El Niño impact

China is well positioned to navigate the impacts of El Niño and other challenges to agricultural production, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said Tuesday, citing solid progress in farmland, irrigation, seed quality and mechanization.

NDRC spokeswoman Li Chao said at a press conference in Beijing that “Judging from the current situation, preparations for this year’s autumn and winter sowing are well underway. A large-scale autumn grain harvest is about to begin, which will be immediately followed by the critical phase of autumn and winter planting.

According to various reports, most regions across China are enjoying favorable weather, and the autumn grain harvest is expected to proceed normally, paving the way for the next planting cycle. Wheat seed supplies are sufficient, and fertilizer and other agricultural inputs are well secured”.