China makes breakthrough in grain output in 2021-2025 period: minister

China has made a breakthrough in grain output and better ensured its food security during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun on Tuesday.

Han made the remarks at a press conference hosted by the State Council Information Office on the achievements in agricultural and rural development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

"China has better ensured that food supply remains firmly in its own hands for its 1.4 billion people (during the 14th Five-Year Plan period). The country's grain output has reached a new level during the period, with the total grain output exceeding 1.4 trillion jin (700 million tonnes) for the first time in 2024, an increase of 74 billion jin (37 million tonnes) from 2020. Now China's per capita share of grain has reached 500 kilograms, and our country has achieved basic self-sufficiency in cereal grains and absolute grain security, which fully guarantees national food security," said Han.

According to official data, the rise in production has been underpinned by improvements in farmland infrastructure and agricultural technology.

China has developed more than one billion mu (66.7 million hectares) of high-standard farmland. Meanwhile, sci-tech advancement has become a key driver for grain harvest, with its contribution rate rising to 63.2 percent.

Meanwhile, farmers' incomes have grown at a robust pace since 2021, with rural per capita disposable income reaching 23,119 yuan (about 3,255 U.S. dollars) in 2024, according to the press conference.

China's 2024 grain output hit a record high of 706.5 million tonnes, an increase of 1.6 percent from 2023, official data showed.

Before 2024, the country's annual grain output had been above 650 million tonnes for nine consecutive years, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

In grain categories, the output of cereals rose 1.7 percent year on year, with rice, wheat and corn all reporting production rises. The output of tubers rose 1.5 percent, the data showed.

Last year's bumper harvest was accompanied by a rise in grain planting areas in the country, which stood at over 119 million hectares, up 0.3 percent year on year. Meanwhile, grain output per unit area also increased 1.3 percent, the data showed.

China makes breakthrough in grain output in 2021-2025 period: minister

The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Ninth Special Olympic Games will conclude on Monday, with a full-dress rehearsal for the closing ceremony held Saturday night at Shenzhen Sports Center.

Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the rehearsal seamlessly integrated artistic performances with core ceremonial elements, including the entrance of sports delegations, flag reception, flag raising, and the singing of national anthem.

The ceremony aims to highlight themes of inclusion and unity, underlining the spirit of perseverance, solidarity, and determination. Messages of harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals, shared values across the Greater Bay Area, and collective progress were central to the evening's presentation.

A total of 600 performers are participating in the closing ceremony, including about 130 persons with disabilities. Organizers worked to ensure a supportive environment by pairing each visually impaired performer with a non-disabled guide to assist during rehearsals and performances.

Behind the scenes, thoughtful design turns inclusiveness into action. Though visitors will see a simple, elegant stage, hidden modifications make it fully accessible. Traditional stairs have been replaced with ramps on both sides of the stage to accommodate wheelchair users and all performers, and anti-slip carpets have been laid throughout to ensure safety, especially for performers with mobility challenges.

Technical teams are also fine-tuning every detail, including stage visuals and lighting effects.

A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations registered for this year's Games, held for the first time jointly across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area. The competition includes 1,876 events in 46 sports, with six winter sports already concluded. Highlights also include 131 events in 11 mass-participation sports and 599 events in nine Special Olympics sports.

Under the slogan "Passionate National Games, Vibrant Greater Bay Area," the Games are also being used to promote innovation in assistive technologies. A range of advanced products will be put into use during competition, helping move technologies from laboratories into real-world testing and market application.

Full-dress rehearsal for National Para Games' closing ceremony held in Shenzhen