China’s NDRC warns super El Niño threatens global grain output through summer 2026
On September 22, China’s NDRC spokesperson Li Chao stated that professional agencies forecast a super El Niño event this autumn and winter, peaking at year-end, with effects lasting into summer 2026, creating significant uncertainty for global grain production. Li emphasized China’s agricultural preparedness, citing over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, 96% seed coverage, and 2025 grain output of 1.43 trillion jin. The NDRC outlined measures including disaster monitoring, irrigation upgrades, seed technology improvements, and activating minimum purchase price plans where conditions allow.
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China's NDRC: Super El Niño to Impact Global Grain Output Through Summer 2026
On September 22, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held a monthly press conference. In response to a question from the National Business Daily, NDRC spokesperson Li Chao stated that professional agencies predict a super El Niño event this autumn and winter, peaking at year-end, with effects lasting through summer 2026, creating significant uncertainty for global grain production. Li emphasized that China's agricultural sector is well-prepared, citing over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, 1.09 billion mu of irrigated land, 96% crop seed coverage, and 76.7% mechanization rate. He noted that 2025 grain output reached 1.43 trillion jin despite adverse weather. The NDRC will monitor El Niño development, strengthen disaster warnings, improve irrigation infrastructure, boost seed technology, and activate minimum purchase price plans where conditions allow. Separately, Li addressed higher education capacity, stating that over 30 'Double First-Class' university new campuses are under construction, including several Beijing universities relocating to Xiong'an New Area, expected to open by September 2026, to cope with peak college-age population and support regional development.
China's NDRC Reassures on Food Security Amid Super El Niño Threat to Global Crops
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) spokesperson Li Chao stated on October 22 that a super El Niño event is expected this autumn and winter, peaking by year-end, with effects lasting into summer 2025, creating significant uncertainty for global food production. Li emphasized China's preparedness, citing over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, 10.9 billion mu of irrigated land, 96% crop seed coverage, and 76.7% mechanization rate. China's 2025 grain output reached 1.43 trillion jin despite droughts and floods. The NDRC outlined four response measures: disaster monitoring, farmland irrigation upgrades, seed technology improvements, and market regulation including reserve adjustments and minimum purchase price plans. Separately, National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration head Liu Huanxin noted global food security risks from El Niño and geopolitical conflicts. FAO data showed the August global food price index at 133.3 points, a near three-year high. Goldman Sachs warned that Hormuz Strait disruption could raise fertilizer and diesel costs. The World Bank projects a 31% fertilizer price increase by 2026. CICC analysts noted South American soybeans and Brazilian corn face greater risks than Northern Hemisphere staple crops. State Council researcher Hua Ruojun described multiple intertwined risks to global food and energy security, but said China's comprehensive supply chain system provides robust protection.
Read sourceChina to use policy grain reserves, activate minimum purchase price plan amid El Niño threat
According to a forecast by professional agencies, a super El Niño event is expected this autumn and winter, peaking at the end of the year, with climate effects lasting into next summer, posing significant uncertainty to global grain production. At a September 22 press conference, National Development and Reform Commission spokesperson Li Chao stated that China's agricultural production is confident and capable of coping with risks like El Niño. Li noted that China has built over 10 billion mu of high-standard farmland, irrigated over 10.9 billion mu, and achieved a crop seed coverage rate over 96%. Despite droughts and floods in 2025, grain output reached 1.43 trillion jin, a record high. Current preparations for autumn-winter planting are underway, with favorable weather expected. The NDRC will strengthen disaster monitoring, improve irrigation infrastructure, boost seed technology, and regulate markets. Key measures include using policy grain reserves and activating the minimum purchase price plan in eligible areas to support farmers.
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China's NDRC Vows to Use Policy Grain Reserves, Activate Minimum Purchase Price Plan Amid El Niño Threat
In a September 22 press conference, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) spokesperson Li Chao addressed the potential impact of a predicted super El Niño event on global food production, expected to peak by year-end and last into next summer. Li stated that China's agricultural sector is well-prepared, citing over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, more than 1.09 billion mu of irrigated land, 96% crop seed coverage, and 76.7% mechanization rate. He noted that despite droughts and floods in 2025, grain output reached 1.43 trillion jin, a record high. Li outlined four key measures: strengthening disaster monitoring and early warning, improving irrigation and drainage infrastructure, boosting seed technology for cold and drought resistance, and enhancing market regulation. Specifically, the NDRC will use policy grain reserves and promptly activate the minimum purchase price plan in eligible regions to stabilize markets and protect farmers' incomes.
Read sourceChina's agriculture has confidence to cope with El Niño challenges, says NDRC
At a press conference held by China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on an unspecified date, spokesperson Li Chao stated that China's agricultural production has the confidence, conditions, and capability to deal with risks and challenges such as the El Niño weather event, despite its potential to bring significant uncertainty to global food production. Li cited foundational strengths: China has built over 100 million hectares of high-standard farmland, irrigated area exceeds 109 million hectares, crop seed coverage rate is over 96%, and the comprehensive mechanization rate for crop cultivation and harvesting has reached 76.7%. Grain output has exceeded 700 million tonnes for two consecutive years. Li noted that autumn grain harvesting is imminent and expected to proceed normally under favorable weather conditions, with sufficient wheat seeds and fertilizers available for the subsequent autumn-winter planting season. The NDRC pledged to strengthen disaster monitoring and early warning, improve irrigation infrastructure, upgrade high-standard farmland and large-scale irrigation districts, boost seed technology research, and use policy tools such as minimum purchase price mechanisms to stabilize markets.
Read sourceChina's NDRC Warns of Super El Niño, Vows to Strengthen Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning
On September 22, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held its monthly press conference. Deputy Director and spokesperson Li Chao stated that according to professional forecasts, a super El Niño event is expected to occur this autumn and winter, peaking at the end of the year, with climate impacts potentially lasting into next summer. This poses significant uncertainty for global food production, which must be taken seriously. Li emphasized that China's agricultural sector is well-prepared to handle such risks, citing solid foundations: over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, over 1.09 billion mu of irrigated land, crop seed coverage exceeding 96%, and a comprehensive mechanization rate of 76.7%. In 2025, despite spring droughts, summer heatwaves, and autumn rains, China's grain output reached 1.43 trillion jin, an increase of 16.75 billion jin year-on-year. Preparations for autumn-winter planting are underway, with favorable weather and sufficient supplies of seeds and fertilizers. The NDRC will work with relevant departments to monitor the situation, strengthen disaster monitoring and early warning, track El Niño's development, assess risks by region and crop, and enhance pest and disease monitoring and control capabilities.
Read sourceChina's NDRC Vows to Activate Minimum Grain Purchase Price Plan Where Conditions Allow
On September 22, Li Chao, Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at the NDRC's September press conference that to address risks and challenges such as the El Niño weather pattern, the NDRC will work with relevant departments on several measures. These include strengthening disaster monitoring and early warning, closely tracking El Niño's development, and assessing risks by region and crop. The NDRC will also enhance farmland water conservancy by upgrading high-standard farmland and large-scale irrigation districts, and coordinate drought-resistant water sources and drainage channels. Additionally, it will boost seed industry technology support, focusing on cold damage and spring-summer drought, and improve the supply of high-quality varieties. Finally, the NDRC will improve market regulation by strengthening the reserve system's adjustment and coordination, using policy grain resources, and promptly activating the minimum purchase price execution plan in eligible areas to ensure the policy's bottom-line support role.
Read sourceChina's NDRC Vows to Bolster Grain Market with Minimum Purchase Price Plan Amid El Niño Risks
On September 22, Li Chao, deputy director of the Policy Research Office of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at the commission's September press conference that to address risks and challenges such as El Niño, the NDRC will work with relevant departments on several measures. These include strengthening disaster monitoring and early warning systems, closely tracking El Niño developments, and assessing risks by region and crop. The plan also involves enhancing farmland irrigation infrastructure by upgrading high-standard farmland and modernizing large and medium-sized irrigation districts, as well as improving drought and flood drainage capabilities. Additionally, the NDRC will boost seed industry technology, supporting breeding bases in developing high-quality varieties resistant to low-temperature freezing and continuous spring droughts. On market regulation, the NDRC will strengthen reserve吞吐 (throughput) adjustments and coordinated operations, utilize policy-based grain resources, and promptly activate the minimum purchase price execution plan in eligible areas to ensure the policy's safety-net role.
China's NDRC Vows to Activate Minimum Grain Purchase Price Plan Where Conditions Are Met
On September 22, Li Chao, Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at the NDRC's September press conference that to address risks and challenges such as El Niño, the NDRC will work with relevant departments on several key tasks. These include strengthening disaster monitoring and early warning systems, closely tracking El Niño developments, and formulating risk assessments and contingency plans by region and crop. The NDRC will also enhance farmland water conservancy infrastructure by advancing high-standard farmland and modernizing large and medium-sized irrigation districts, while coordinating drought-resistant water sources and drainage channels. Additionally, it will boost seed industry technology support, focusing on disasters like low-temperature freezing and consecutive spring droughts, and improve the supply of high-quality crop varieties. For market regulation, the NDRC will strengthen the coordinated operation of reserves at all levels, utilize policy-based grain resources, and promptly activate the minimum purchase price implementation plan in eligible areas to ensure the policy's safety-net role.
Read sourceChina's NDRC Says Autumn Grain Harvest Expected Normal, Prepares for Next Planting Season
On September 22, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held a monthly press conference. Spokesperson Li Chao stated that China's agricultural sector has the confidence, conditions, and capability to address risks such as El Niño. Regarding a forecasted super El Niño event expected to peak this winter and affect global grain production into next summer, Li noted that China has built over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, irrigated over 1.09 billion mu, and achieved a 76.7% mechanization rate. Despite droughts and floods in 2025, grain output reached 1.43 trillion jin. Currently, most regions have good weather, autumn grain harvesting is expected to proceed normally, and preparations for winter wheat planting are underway with sufficient seeds and fertilizers. The NDRC will strengthen disaster monitoring, improve irrigation infrastructure, boost seed technology for cold and drought resistance, and adjust market reserves including potential minimum purchase price interventions to stabilize grain markets.
Read sourceChina says agriculture can cope with El Niño risks this autumn and winter
On September 22, Li Chao, deputy director of the Policy Research Office of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at a monthly press conference that a super El Niño event is forecast for this autumn and winter, peaking at year-end, with effects lasting into next summer and creating significant uncertainty for global food production. Li emphasized that China's agricultural sector is confident, well-conditioned, and capable of responding to such risks. The NDRC outlined four key measures: strengthening disaster monitoring and early warning systems, including pest and disease surveillance; upgrading farmland irrigation infrastructure such as high-standard farmland and modern irrigation districts; advancing seed industry technology to develop varieties resistant to cold, frost, and drought; and stabilizing markets through reserve stock adjustments and minimum purchase price mechanisms where applicable. The remarks reflect proactive government planning to mitigate climate-related agricultural risks.
Read sourceChina's NDRC Says Agriculture Can Handle Super El Niño Risks This Winter
On September 22, Li Chao, deputy director of the Policy Research Office of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at a monthly press conference that according to forecasts from relevant professional institutions, a super El Niño event is expected to occur this autumn and winter, peaking around the end of the year. Its climatic effects are projected to last into the summer of next year, creating significant uncertainty for global grain production, which must be taken seriously. Li Chao emphasized that overall, China's agricultural production has the confidence, conditions, and capability to address risks and challenges posed by El Niño and similar events. The statement signals the Chinese government's proactive stance on climate-related agricultural risks and its assessment of domestic food security resilience.
Read sourceChina's NDRC Says Agriculture Can Cope with Super El Niño Risks
On September 22, Li Chao, Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at a monthly press conference that according to forecasts from professional agencies, a super El Niño event is expected this autumn and winter, peaking at the end of the year, with climate impacts likely to persist into next summer. This poses significant uncertainty for global grain production and must be taken seriously. Li Chao emphasized that overall, China's agricultural production has the confidence, conditions, and capability to respond to risks and challenges such as El Niño. The NDRC will work with relevant departments to closely monitor the evolving situation and take proactive measures. The report was sourced from Securities Times and published by financial data provider Jin10.
Read sourceChina's NDRC Says Agriculture Can Handle El Niño Risks This Winter
On September 22, Li Chao, Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at a monthly press conference that according to professional agency forecasts, a super El Niño event is expected in autumn and winter of this year, peaking around year-end, with climate effects lasting into next summer. This poses significant uncertainty for global food production, which China must take seriously. However, Li emphasized that China's agricultural production has the confidence, conditions, and capability to cope with El Niño and other risk challenges. The NDRC will work with relevant departments to monitor developments and take proactive measures. These include: strengthening disaster monitoring and early warning systems, tracking El Niño's evolution, and assessing risks by region and crop; upgrading farmland irrigation infrastructure, including high-standard farmland and modern irrigation districts, to improve drainage and drought resistance; advancing seed technology research to develop varieties resistant to low-temperature freezing and prolonged spring droughts; and utilizing state grain reserves and policy mechanisms, such as minimum purchase price plans, to stabilize markets and support farmers.
Read sourceChina's NDRC Vows to Activate Minimum Grain Purchase Plan Where Conditions Are Met
On September 22, Li Chao, Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at the NDRC's September press conference that to address risks and challenges such as El Niño, the NDRC will work with relevant departments on several measures. These include strengthening disaster monitoring and early warning, closely tracking El Niño developments, and assessing risks by region and crop. The NDRC will also enhance farmland irrigation infrastructure by upgrading high-standard farmland and large-to-medium-sized irrigation districts, and improve drainage and drought resistance capabilities. Additionally, it will boost seed industry technology support by advancing the modern seed industry project and supporting seed bases in tackling low-temperature freezing and continuous drought disasters. Finally, the NDRC will improve market regulation by coordinating the use of reserve stocks and policy grain resources, and will promptly activate the minimum purchase price execution plan in eligible areas to ensure a policy safety net.
Read sourceChina's NDRC to Activate Grain Minimum Purchase Price Plan in Eligible Areas as Safety Net
On September 22, at the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) monthly press conference, Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office Li Chao announced measures to address risks from El Niño and other challenges. The NDRC will work with relevant departments to strengthen disaster monitoring and early warning, closely tracking El Niño developments and assessing risks by region and crop. They will enhance farmland irrigation infrastructure by upgrading high-standard farmland and large-to-medium-sized irrigation districts, improving drainage and drought resistance. The plan also includes boosting seed technology through modern seed industry projects, focusing on developing high-quality varieties resilient to low-temperature freezing and prolonged spring droughts. For market regulation, the NDRC will coordinate reserve stockpiles and use policy-based grain resources to promptly activate the minimum purchase price execution plan in eligible locations, ensuring a policy safety net for grain markets.
Read sourceChina's NDRC: Super El Niño to Impact Grain Output Through Summer 2026, Plans Price Support
On September 22, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held a monthly press conference. Responding to a question from the National Business Daily, NDRC spokesperson Li Chao stated that professional agencies predict a super El Niño event this autumn and winter, peaking at year-end, with effects lasting into next summer, creating significant uncertainty for global grain production. Li emphasized that China's agricultural sector is well-prepared, citing over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, a 76.7% mechanization rate, and a 2025 grain output of 1.43 trillion jin. The NDRC will monitor the El Niño development, strengthen disaster warnings, improve irrigation infrastructure, boost seed technology for cold and drought resistance, and activate minimum purchase price plans where conditions allow. Separately, the NDRC announced support for over 30 'Double First-Class' university new campuses, including several Beijing universities relocating to Xiong'an New Area, expected to open by September 2026, to address the peak in college-age population and promote regional development.
Read sourceChina's NDRC Says It Has Confidence to Cope with Forecast Super El Niño Event
On September 22, Li Chao, deputy director of the Policy Research Office and spokesperson for China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at a press conference that according to professional agency forecasts, a super El Niño event is expected to occur in autumn and winter of this year, peaking around the end of the year, with climate impacts potentially lasting into next summer and creating significant uncertainty for global food production. Li emphasized that China's agricultural sector is well-prepared to address such risks, citing solid foundations including over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, more than 1.09 billion mu of irrigated land, a crop seed coverage rate exceeding 96%, and a mechanization rate of 76.7%. He noted that despite droughts, heatwaves, and rains in 2025, grain output reached 1.43 trillion jin, a record increase. The NDRC plans to strengthen disaster monitoring and early warning, improve irrigation and drainage infrastructure, boost seed technology for cold and drought resistance, and adjust market reserves including potential minimum purchase price interventions to stabilize grain markets.
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