Vice Premier Urges Action Amid Typhoon-Induced Agricultural Woes

China's Vice Premier has called on local authorities to mitigate agricultural losses and ensure a successful autumn grain harvest following heavy rains from Typhoon Gaemi in Henan province. During his visit, he emphasized the need for disaster prevention, while efforts are underway to bolster national food security by enhancing grain output.

China's Vice Premier has urged local authorities to minimise agricultural losses and ensure a robust autumn grain harvest after heavy rains from Typhoon Gaemi lashed Henan province, the country's largest wheat-growing region.

During his visit to Henan, Liu Guozhong emphasized the critical need for disaster prevention and mitigation to protect autumn grain crops and achieve a successful harvest, state news agency Xinhua reported Thursday. He also called for enhanced efforts to promote grain and oil crop yields to bolster national food security, according to Xinhua.

Henan, known as China's 'granary,' produces about one-third of the country's wheat. A reduced harvest could prompt China, the world's largest wheat consumer, to seek additional supplies from abroad. Although the summer wheat harvest in Henan is mostly complete, hot temperatures and rainy weather have raised concerns about the quality of stored wheat, prompting some farmers to sell their supplies.

China's state grain stockpiler Sinograin said on Wednesday that the firm and its subsidiaries will increase domestic wheat storage to support farmers.

(With inputs from agencies.)