Covid Lockdown Prevents Chinese Farmers from Planting Corn
Apr 6, 2022 21:14:41 GMT -5
Post by Berean on Apr 6, 2022 21:14:41 GMT -5
Coronavirus Lockdown Prevents Chinese Farmers from Planting Corn
JOHN HAYWARD
6 Apr 202224
More evidence of a looming food crisis in China emerged from the agricultural province of Jilin on Tuesday, as farmers said coronavirus lockdowns have prevented them from planting corn.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) quoted Jilin farmers who said their fields have been neglected for so long that planting in time for the next harvest has become “impossible.”
“Now no one is allowed to go out, and the agricultural stores have no seeds and fertilizers. Even if they have, farmers can’t go out to buy,” one farmer complained.
Analysts noted road traffic to Jilin is down by almost 87 percent versus last year, which suggests the necessary equipment and supplies might not be on hand when planting season begins in late April. The province normally supplies about 10 percent of China’s corn.
The SCMP noted Chinese officials are acknowledging the problem but insist there is still time to save the season:
Chinese Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua said on Friday demand for corn outstripped supply in China at the moment and the country must work together to boost output above last year.
Rural pandemic prevention needs to be coordinated with agricultural production to ensure that crops are planted without delay and spring ploughing is completed, Hu said.
Authorities in Jilin issued a statement on Monday saying farmers locked down in urban areas can return to their hometowns to work from Tuesday, provided they meet certain conditions, including a negative coronavirus test and no close contact with anyone infected.
The Chinese Communist Party spent the past year touting “food security” and independence as top goals, with record domestic corn production booked last year. However, thanks to coronavirus lockdowns and market disruptions caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China is now importing more corn than ever, including American corn. Industry analysts believe China’s recent huge purchases of agricultural products could be a tacit acknowledgment of a domestic food crisis to come.
Continued at link
JOHN HAYWARD
6 Apr 202224
More evidence of a looming food crisis in China emerged from the agricultural province of Jilin on Tuesday, as farmers said coronavirus lockdowns have prevented them from planting corn.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) quoted Jilin farmers who said their fields have been neglected for so long that planting in time for the next harvest has become “impossible.”
“Now no one is allowed to go out, and the agricultural stores have no seeds and fertilizers. Even if they have, farmers can’t go out to buy,” one farmer complained.
Analysts noted road traffic to Jilin is down by almost 87 percent versus last year, which suggests the necessary equipment and supplies might not be on hand when planting season begins in late April. The province normally supplies about 10 percent of China’s corn.
The SCMP noted Chinese officials are acknowledging the problem but insist there is still time to save the season:
Chinese Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua said on Friday demand for corn outstripped supply in China at the moment and the country must work together to boost output above last year.
Rural pandemic prevention needs to be coordinated with agricultural production to ensure that crops are planted without delay and spring ploughing is completed, Hu said.
Authorities in Jilin issued a statement on Monday saying farmers locked down in urban areas can return to their hometowns to work from Tuesday, provided they meet certain conditions, including a negative coronavirus test and no close contact with anyone infected.
The Chinese Communist Party spent the past year touting “food security” and independence as top goals, with record domestic corn production booked last year. However, thanks to coronavirus lockdowns and market disruptions caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China is now importing more corn than ever, including American corn. Industry analysts believe China’s recent huge purchases of agricultural products could be a tacit acknowledgment of a domestic food crisis to come.
Continued at link
