Chinese Government Takes Preventive Measures to Avert Possible Food Emergency
2 Min Read
After witnessing the destruction of vegetable crops by heavy rains, the Chinese government works to form policies to prevent food insecurity among its population.
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China works to secure produce after witnessing the effects of heavy rains on agriculture.
The Chinese government is urging families this winter to stock necessities for emergencies as heavy rains and surging prices are on the horizon.
The heavy rains, which have destroyed crops in China's greatest vegetable-growing region - Shandong - have caused a hike in vegetable prices as the destructive weather conditions took place in early October.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce addressed local authorities throughout the country to maintain stability in supply and prices, and to issue early warnings if there were any supply issues to arise.
One of the most important events on the Chinese calendar is the Lunar New Year, where China sees an increase in expenditure on vegetables and meat: Usually, the Chinese central government puts in extra effort every year to increase food supplies in the market.
From early October till last week, prices of some commodities have doubled, including spinach, cucumbers, and broccoli. According to an index in Shouguang, Spinach became more expensive than pork, pricing at $2.60. Shouguang is one of the most prominent trading hubs in Shandong.
The Chinese government is also working to draft a food security law
Recent days have seen some leniency in the prices, despite that, an increase in prices over the year was predicted by economists in October.
Furthermore, the pandemic has also affected food supply and security in China; for this reason, the Chinese government is also working to draft a food security law.
The Ministry of Commerce also asserted that local authorities should store vegetables and other goods well, and establish emergency delivery channels to distribute food efficiently and with minimal complications.
The withhold of vegetables in reserves will be released in a 'timely manner' in order to maintain stability in supply and demand, and to push back against rising prices, according to a report released by Chinese state television. However, which vegetables China holds and how much has not been disclosed.
The planning body of the government has been working on replanting crops, and opting for local governments to support fast-growing crops, according to the report. China enjoys 6.67 million hectares of land planted with vegetables.
