Agriculture minister warns on food security

AGRICULTURE Minister Han Changfu yesterday warned that China's food security was under threat as agriculture struggles with land, water and labor shortages.

This year is expected to be the nation's ninth consecutive year of rising grain output, but experts have warned it might struggle to continue improving yields, despite a campaign aimed at consolidating, mechanizing and commercializing its farms.

"The next five to 10 years are a key period for the development of China's agriculture sectior with production factors like land, water and labor getting tighter," said Han. "Agricultural production is facing greater risks - natural, market and security risks - and it is entering a period of high investment, high costs and high prices."

He said China should expect bumper harvests this year.

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