Wang Xiaobing sets out requirements to ensure that cotton production and supply remain basically stable

Wang Xiaobing, deputy director of the Department of Market and Economic Information of the Ministry of Agriculture, believes that carrying out the pilot program for target prices of cotton in Xinjiang and abolishing the temporary purchase and storage policy are innovative measures to improve agricultural product price policy under the new situation. They are of great significance for protecting farmers' interests, enhancing market vitality and promoting industrial development. He believes that the pilot reform of target prices for cotton must not only promote the improvement of the competitiveness of the cotton industry through market-oriented reform, but also provide experience and reference for the establishment of price formation and market regulation mechanisms for other important agricultural products. He introduced that at present the Department of Market and Economic Information of the Ministry of Agriculture has also participated in the implementation of monitoring, subsidy calculation, policy evaluation and other work under the new policy. In response to new situations and new problems emerging in the cotton industry, it will continue to promote the layout and adjustment of cotton production, increase the research, development and promotion of new technologies, further implement relevant support policies, and ensure that cotton production and supply remain basically stable.

He said that China is a major country in cotton production and consumption, and the cotton industry concerns cotton farmers' income, the operation of the textile industry, and economic and social development. The Party Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to the development of the cotton industry and have successively issued a series of policies, including subsidies for cotton and grain seeds and temporary purchase and storage, which have effectively promoted cotton production and market stability.

He estimates that under policy guidance, this year's cotton area will be reduced to more than 63 million mu, and output will be about 6.5 million tons. Although slightly lower than last year, both yield per unit area and quality have improved somewhat. He said that in recent years, with changes in the domestic and international economic environment, China's cotton industry is facing new situations and challenges. Agricultural production has entered a stage of high input and high cost, especially as labor costs continue to rise rapidly, making it increasingly difficult to ensure stable year-end returns. The linkage between international and domestic markets has strengthened, and domestic and international cotton prices have shown an obvious inversion, making it increasingly difficult to safeguard the security of China's cotton industry. The contradictions and problems accumulated by the temporary cotton purchase and storage policy have become increasingly prominent, and it is increasingly difficult to rely on policy to stabilize production and the market. How should these new situations and new challenges be addressed? Promoting the sustained and healthy development of China's cotton industry has become a realistic and major issue that must be studied and resolved promptly.