Corn seed supply will be sufficient next year, with total volume able to meet demand
According to recent scheduling analysis, in China's main corn seed production areas of Gansu and Xinjiang, continuous high temperatures caused a reduction in seed output, but due to an increase in seed production area and large inventories, the total corn seed supply next year will be able to meet demand.
Corn seed production in Gansu and Xinjiang fell by 10% to 40%. From mid-to-late July to early August, high temperatures above 40°C persisted for more than 10 days in Xinjiang. Mid-late maturing, late maturing and delayed-sowing corn seed production was at the pollination stage, causing the seed-setting rate to decline, with seed output reduced by about 180 million kg, an average reduction of nearly 40%; in Gansu, high temperatures of 35°C to 38°C persisted for one week, with seed output reduced by about 65 million kg, an average reduction of about 10%. Corn seed production in Xinjiang and Gansu combined fell by about 245 million kg.
The total corn seed supply next year will be able to meet demand. First, the area increased markedly. This year, the national corn seed production area was 3.42 million mu, an increase of 470,000 mu year on year, or 16%. Second, total output was higher than last year. This year, post-disaster corn seed output was about 1.11 billion kg; because the area increased markedly year on year, total output rose by about 100 million kg year on year. Third, inventories are relatively large. At the end of June this year, seed inventories were about 800 million kg; next year, about 1.9 billion kg will be available for supply, while demand is expected to be 1.22 billion kg. The total volume can meet next year's demand, but some mid-late maturing and late maturing varieties may see structural shortages.
Multiple measures are being taken to ensure the safety of seeds used for agricultural production. To safeguard seed supply next year, the Ministry of Agriculture is organizing an active response. First, strengthen technical guidance and services. Urge and guide seed enterprises to strengthen management of seed production fields in the later stage to reduce yield losses; prepare early to defend against early frost and cold damage, and make preparations for harvesting and drying. Give play to the role of seed production insurance to reduce economic losses and ensure the stable development of bases. Second, strengthen supervision and inspection of bases. In mid-to-late August, 9 inspection teams were dispatched to carry out inspection and sampling at seed production bases in Xinjiang and Gansu to ensure the quality and safety of seeds used. Third, strengthen seed reserve management. The 2016 national disaster relief and famine reserve seed task of 50 million kg has been issued and implemented to ensure effectiveness when needed. Fourth, strengthen supply-demand scheduling and adjustment. Accurately grasp seed supply, demand and price conditions, guide the adjustment of surpluses and shortages between provinces, regions and varieties, promptly release market information, prevent speculation and passing off inferior goods as good ones, and ensure market stability.