Beijing, China
March 29, 2011

A few days ago, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) issued a document of the Opinions on accelerating mechanized operations in rice production. The document sets the following two targets for mechanization development of rice production nationwide: a. an increase of 45% and 80%, respectively, for mechanized operations of rice planting and harvesting by the year 2015; and b. mechanized operations of the entire process of rice production in regions for single rice cropping in northeast China and middle and lower ranches of the Yangtze River.

The document identifies regional priorities for each rice-producing area. For single rice cropping regions in middle and lower ranches of the Yangtze River, it is required for maintaining achievements in mechanized rice transplanting operation; promoting demonstration and use of high-speed rice translators; complete set of facilities for growing rice seedlings; and developing technical models for mechanized operations in the entire rice production. For double rice cropping regions, it is required for taking mechanized growing rice seedlings as a major means, and promoting its localization; organizing trans-regional mechanized harvesting operations; giving guidance to upgrading and change of rice harvesters; improving mechanized rice harvesting operations in hill and mountainous areas. For rice producing areas in southwest regions, it is required for increasing publicity and training of mechanized rice transplanting practices; promoting trans-regional operations of combine harvesters; and dealing with problems in technology and equipment of farm machinery for use in mountainous and small farmland. For rice producing areas in northern parts of the country, it is required for technical extension of laser leveling farmland, growing rice seedlings in plastic sheds; promotion of transforming seedling growing practice from conventional to mechanized way and from individual type to concentrated one as well as to concentrated supply of seedlings; and demonstration and promotion role of state farms to raise mechanized operation level of rice production in rural areas.

Website: http://www.agri.gov.cn

Published: March 29, 2011