Sci-Tech Progress Will Propel China’s Agriculture——An Interview with Chen Xiwen, Deputy Director of the Central Rural Work Leading Group and Director of Its General Office

CHINA’s grain output hit 571 million tons in 2011 - 24.7 billion kilograms more than the previous year,so achieving eight consecutive years of sustained grain production growth. The country has also set a new record by maintaining more than 500 million tons of annual grain production over the past five years.There is,however,an old Chinese saying,"If people are to eat every day,crops must be plantedevery year." Both natural and human factors have created uncertainties in China’s grain production.Maintaining grain security is a constant topic in a country with such a large population.Under the challenges of abnormal climate,rising costs and farmers’ waning enthusiasm for growing crops,what does the future hold for China’s agriculture? To find out,China Today interviewed Chen Xiwen,deputy director of the Central Rural Work Leading Group and director of its general office.