Grain yield rises for 9th straight year

National levels of grain production have increased again, the 9th successive annual rise. Farmers' incomes have also gone up. It comes as the country rolls out more policies aimed at raising the quality of life in rural areas.

"Any better compared to last year?"

"Output has increased by over 100 kilos per 0.07 hectare."

"What about total output?"

"Super rice has increased by 25,000 kilos."

Grain production has hit new heights this year. The national total stands at 589.5 billion kilos. That's an annual increase of 18.3 billion kilos.

Li Guoxiang, Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said, "The increase in grain production has helped the country to offset the impact of volatile agriculture prices on the international market."

And it all means one thing - more money for farmers.

Han Wen, Farmer, Anhui Province, said, "We get a 3000 yuan subsidy for every hectare of crops."

Farmers' per capita incomes topped 6,000 yuan in the first 3 quarters of 2012. That's close to the average for the whole of 2011.

However, the good times may not go on forever. The Ministry of Agriculture says the potential for further increases in production is limited. Water shortages and urban expansion are two of the major reasons. And there are growing calls for more action.

Li Guoxiang, Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said, "There needs to be more preferential policies and subsidies given to farmers by the government."

So, to ensure that grain production continues to rise, the central government is pledging to increase subsidies for farming equipment. It's also promising more investment in new technology, in order to boost productivity.