Inner Mongolia announces 2019 agriculture targets

A photo captures farmland in Hulunbuir, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/IC]

North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region reported impressive agricultural statistics for 2018, with a trove of data released by local authorities on March 1.

The region reported grain production of 35.54 billion kilograms, ranking it eighth in China, with meat production of 2.67 million tons and fish caught weighing 140,000 tons.

And 97 percent of agricultural, livestock and aquatic products passed food safety inspections.

The region also saw rising living standards, with the per capita disposable income of residents in rural and pastoral areas rising by 9.7 percent year on year –– to 13,803 yuan ($2,058.77).

In 2018, Inner Mongolia continued to focus on the production of high-quality agricultural products, while maintaining its pristine natural environment. New standards were introduced, with updated business models promoted to encourage farmers to standardize their work.

A total of 82,000 farmer-herdsmen cooperatives and 13,000 family farms and pastures were recognized by the region. The area of standardized production of major crops in the region reached 47.84 million mu (3.19 million hectares); and the number of standardized breeding stocks reached 37.35 million, with the coverage of standardized production and supporting technologies coming in at over 45 percent.

For 2019, the region has set itself some ambitious goals for its agricultural sector:

1. Promote poverty alleviation through development of agricultural and animal husbandry.

2. Clamp down on abuse of agricultural land.

3. Improve living conditions in rural areas.

4. Pay attention to the prevention and control of epidemics.

5. Tackle heavy debt within the sector.

6. Promote the revitalization of the dairy industry.

7. Promote the construction of efficient farmland that uses less water.

8. Cultivate new forms of business for agriculture and animal husbandry.

9. Promote the standardization of agriculture and animal husbandry.

10. Develop science and technology for agriculture and animal husbandry.

11. Promote the brand building of agricultural and livestock products.

12. Strengthen quality supervision for related products.

13. Promote innovation throughout the sector.