A new report submitted to China’s national legislature underscores the crucial role of the country’s northern regions in protecting farmland. The State Council report, presented on Sunday to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, reveals that five northern provinces hold nearly 40% of China’s arable land.
The provinces of Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Jilin, and Xinjiang collectively account for a significant portion of the nation’s farmland. Out of the total 1.93 billion mu (approximately 128.67 million hectares) of arable land, these regions contribute nearly 40% to the total cultivated area.
The report highlights an increase of 11.2 million mu in total farmland compared to figures from the third national land survey. This growth is attributed to China’s ongoing efforts to expand farmland in southern regions and strengthen legal frameworks for farmland protection.
Despite these advancements, the northern regions face challenges like water shortages and over-farming. The report emphasizes the need to optimize farmland distribution nationwide to address these issues effectively.
Protecting arable land is vital for ensuring food security and sustainable development. As China continues to develop, balancing agricultural needs with resource conservation remains a top priority.
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Report highlights north China's crucial role in farmland protection
cgtn.com
