Yuan Longping: 1.8 Billion mu of Farmland Hard to Maintain

Yuan Longping, the "Father of Hybrid Rice."                CFP

Yuan Longping, the "Father of Hybrid Rice," pointed out that it will be hard to protect the 1.8 billion mu of farmland set aside in China's 11th Five Year Plan. He believes the only solution is to increase yields per unit. "The government should improve yields through higher subsidies," says Yuan. "A subsidy of RMB 100 per mu won't motivate farmers." Furthermore, "the grain price is the most sensitive in the market, and serves as a weather vane for other price indexes." So as well as grain subsidies, the government should sell grain at par to stabilize the market. Given China's immense population, Yuan suggests the nation should "have grain reserves that will last at least 100 days, though half a year is better."