FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/01 - CHINA (21 March)
During the first half of March, in eastern parts, temperatures 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal favoured developing winter wheat, whilst showers along the Yangtze river basin increased moisture supplies for winter crops. Although seasonably light rain was received in southern parts of the country, overall rainfall has been below normal.
Winter snow in January/February benefited soil moisture levels, favouring the winter wheat crop in main producing areas. Winter wheat production in 2001 is forecast at around 92.5 million tonnes, over a million tonnes higher than earlier forecast. Total winter and spring wheat production this year is currently projected at around 100.5 million tonnes, some 500 000 tonnes below last year's reduced crop. Winter wheat accounts for most of the country's wheat produced annually. Due to declining support prices for staples, the area under wheat declined further for the 2000/01season as farmers continue to switch to other more lucrative crops. The area planted is estimated at around 23 million hectares, 1.17 million hectares or and almost 5 percent below 1999.
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