Zhou Jianshe:

Due to limited time, we will take one last question.

Red Star News:

What impact did the continuous rainy weather during the harvest period in some regions have on autumn grain production? What is the expected annual grain output?

Fu Linghui:

Thank you for your questions. Currently, autumn grain production has entered the final stage. Although some regions have been affected by natural disasters such as droughts and floods, the overall situation of autumn grain production in most agricultural areas is good, and a bumper harvest is expected nationwide this year.

First, the sown area has remained stable with a slight increase. This year, China has continued to improve the policy system supporting grain production, implementing a series of policies to strengthen agriculture, benefit farmers, and enrich rural areas, with the focus on protecting and boosting the enthusiasm of both local governments in prioritizing grain production and farmer in growing grains. The sown area for autumn grain has slightly increased on the basis of continuous growth over the years.

Second, the per-unit yield has continued to increase. During this year's autumn grain production period, most agricultural areas in China had well-matched conditions of sunlight, temperature, and rainfall, with overall favorable meteorological conditions. All regions have continued to promote actions to increase the large-scale yields of grain and oil crops per unit, effectively boosting the per-unit yield. Although the Huang-Huai-Hai region encountered continuous rainy weather during the harvest period, the overall impact on the yield remains manageable as the crops have reached their full potential.

Third, the autumn grain output is expected to rise. This year, the planting area for high-yield corn has increased significantly, driving up the autumn grain output. Regionally, most areas have maintained stable output with some growth. Particularly in the three northeastern provinces, as well as Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, driven by factors such as adjustments in crop planting structure and generally favorable climate conditions, the autumn grain production shows good momentum.

Overall, this year, China's summer grain has achieved stable production and a good harvest; early rice has increased production; and autumn grain production is projected to rise, with another bumper harvest anticipated for the whole year. Thank you.

Zhou Jianshe:

Thank you to Mr. Fu and all the speakers and friends from the media. That concludes today's press conference. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Liu Caiyi, Lin Liyao, Xu Kailin, You Jiaxin, Dong Qingpei, Zhang Jiaqi, Yan Xiaojing, Liu Jianing, Xu Kailin, Huang Shan, Li Huiru, Ma Yujia, Li Xiao, Zhou Jing, Zhang Rui, Liu Sitong, Wang Yanfang, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Tudor Finneran. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.