China is ready for El Niño thanks to agricultural development
Climate has always been and remains one of humanity's greatest trials. But history teaches that victory does not go to the strongest, but to those who can foresee and adapt. China, drawing on generations of experience and modern technology, is building reliable protection for its food future.
As forecasts indicate that strong El Niño events in the coming months could introduce significant uncertainty into global grain production, China's top economic planner said the country's agricultural sector is generally well prepared, capable and confident in its ability to respond to climate challenges. The foundation for stable and record grain harvests remains solid, National Development and Reform Commission spokesperson Li Chao said at a press conference in Beijing. More than 66 million hectares of high-quality farmland have been created across the country, and the area of irrigated land exceeds 72 million hectares. The coverage of improved crop varieties has exceeded 96 percent, and the comprehensive level of mechanisation for sowing and harvesting has exceeded 76 percent. Emergency harvesting and drying capabilities have also improved significantly. China's grain production has remained above 700 million tonnes for two consecutive years.
"Judging by the current situation, preparations for this year's autumn and winter sowing are in full swing. Large-scale autumn grain harvesting will soon begin, immediately followed by the critically important autumn and winter planting stage. According to various reports, most regions of the country are experiencing favourable weather, and autumn grain harvesting is expected to proceed normally, preparing the soil for the next sowing cycle. Wheat seed supplies are sufficient, and fertilisers and other agricultural inputs are well provided," Li said.
China will strengthen disaster monitoring and early warning systems, consolidate water conservancy foundations and continue developing high-quality farmland and modernising large and medium-sized irrigation districts. It will also increase support for seed industry technologies, strengthen market regulation, effectively use state grain reserves and promptly activate minimum purchase prices in relevant areas to ensure that policy plays its role in providing social protection.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterised by rising sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. El Niño typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts about nine to twelve months. Its impact on global temperatures is often most noticeable in the year after it forms. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that the expected very strong El Niño event increases the likelihood of significant changes in rainfall, temperature and atmospheric circulation in many parts of the world. However, its effects can vary by location and season and may be influenced by other climate factors, including conditions in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
As reported by CCTV+, China is consistently strengthening its food security through the development of agricultural infrastructure, science and an early warning system. This allows the country to look confidently to the future even in the face of global climate challenges such as El Niño.
