China has purchased more than 100 million tonnes of autumn grain so far, matching last year's pace as the peak procurement season approaches, according to data released Friday by the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration.
Smooth procurement is critical to securing farmers' livelihoods, stabilizing market prices, and protecting national food security. Accounting for roughly three-quarters of China's annual grain output, autumn procurement directly impacts farmer incomes and supply chain stability across key commodities such as rice, corn, and soybeans.
The autumn campaign, which runs from late September through April, has already secured over 41 million tonnes of mid- and late-season rice. Meanwhile, corn and soybean market arrivals are surging, driven by a steady influx of grain from northeast China.
To protect growers' returns, the central government has continued its minimum purchase price policy for rice. Six provinces, including Hunan and Hubei in central China, have activated the minimum purchase price emergency plan for mid- and late-season rice.
State reserve operator Sinograin has deployed over 140 purchase depots across the country to stabilize market intake. The move supports broader contingency efforts to process incoming yields and protect crops from harsh winter conditions.
"As the peak period for autumn grain procurement approaches, regions across the country are proactively preparing measures and contingency plans for potential rain and snow. They are coordinating the use of available grain-drying facilities to provide services such as drying and cleaning for farmers in need, ensuring that the season's harvest is safely secured," said Luo Shouquan, director of the Grain Reserve Department at the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration.
China’s autumn grain purchases top 100 million tons as peak season nears
