13 August 2026, China: China’s summer grain production reached a record 150.75 million tonnes in 2026, crossing the 150-million-tonne mark for the first time, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
The record harvest comes as China continues to expand its high-quality farmland base. The country has developed more than 66.7 million hectares of high-quality farmland, which the ministry said has helped support consecutive record grain harvests.
Autumn Grain Planting Area Rises
China has also slightly increased the area planted to autumn crops in 2026, strengthening the prospects for another strong harvest. Autumn grain accounts for around three-quarters of China’s annual grain production, making crop conditions during the coming months critical to overall output.
However, the agricultural sector faces heightened weather risks. Meteorological forecasts indicate a greater frequency of extreme weather during the main flood season, including rapid shifts between drought and flooding in some regions.
The ministry also said that a strong or potentially super El Niño event is developing, which could contribute to higher temperatures, heavier rainfall and more severe drought conditions in some parts of the country.
China Steps Up Seed Industry Efforts
China has continued to strengthen its domestic seed industry. During the first half of 2026, efforts to improve the country’s seed production capabilities were intensified.
Domestically bred crop varieties now account for more than 95% of China’s total planted area, underscoring the country’s focus on reducing dependence on external seed sources and strengthening agricultural production capacity.
Focus on Crop Pests and Diseases
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said it will strengthen coordination with meteorological, water resources and emergency management authorities to improve early warning and disaster response.
The government plans to increase the stockpiling of agricultural materials and deploy technical expertise to reduce potential losses from extreme weather.
Officials are also closely monitoring major crop pests and diseases, including rice planthoppers, rice leaf folders and southern corn rust, which could pose additional risks to crop production if weather conditions become favourable for their spread.
China’s record summer grain harvest provides a strong start to the 2026 grain season, but the performance of autumn crops and the impact of weather, pests and diseases will remain key factors in determining the country’s full-year grain output.
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