The State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press conference on achievements in agricultural and rural development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's grain production reached a new high during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), surpassing 700 million tonnes for the first time last year, Han Jun, minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said Tuesday.

The figure represents an increase of 37 million tonnes compared with 2020, Han told a press conference.

According to official data, the rise in production has been underpinned by improvements in farmland infrastructure and agricultural technology.

China has developed more than 1 billion mu (66.7 million hectares) of high-standard farmland. Meanwhile, technological advancement has become a key driver for grain harvest, with its contribution rate rising to 63.2 percent.

Farmers' incomes have grown at a robust pace since 2021, with rural per capita disposable income reaching 23,119 yuan (about 3,255 U.S. dollars) in 2024, according to the press conference. ■

Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun speaks at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on achievements in agricultural and rural development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

The State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press conference on achievements in agricultural and rural development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A journalist asks questions at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on achievements in agricultural and rural development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A journalist raises her hand to ask questions at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on achievements in agricultural and rural development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)