The nation has successfully harvested approximately 75% of its summer wheat crop across 17.3 million hectares, demonstrating enhanced agricultural mechanization and favourable weather conditions.
China is making significant strides in its summer wheat harvest, with 75% of the crop already gathered as of Tuesday afternoon, June 17. This rapid progress, covering a vast area of 17.3 million hectares (260 million mu), signals a robust season for the nation's vital grain supply. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reported this substantial advancement, highlighting a year-on-year increase in the harvested area.
The large-scale harvesting operation saw impressive momentum on Tuesday alone, with 13.8 million mu of wheat reaped. This was facilitated by the deployment of 196,600 combine harvesters across the country. While the number of machines used saw a slight dip compared to the same period in 2024 (when 197,200 machines harvested 10.37 million mu), the increased efficiency points to a significant leap in agricultural productivity. This enhanced efficiency is largely attributed to the continuous advancements in agricultural mechanization, a key focus of China's agricultural policy.
Summer wheat holds immense importance for China's food supply, constituting over 90% of its seasonal grain output. These summer grains collectively contribute approximately 21% to China's total annual grain production, which also includes early rice and autumn crops. The successful and timely harvest of summer wheat is therefore crucial for national food stability.
Harvesting operations are reportedly progressing smoothly across all major wheat-growing provinces. Jiangsu province is nearing the completion of its harvest, showcasing exemplary efficiency. Other key regions are also reporting strong progress: Shaanxi has harvested over 80% of its wheat, Shanxi over 60%, Shandong nearly 60%, and Hebei more than 25%. These figures underscore a coordinated and highly efficient national effort.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs credits the increased harvest efficiency to the ongoing advancements in agricultural mechanization. Government-backed subsidies have played a pivotal role in encouraging farmers to invest in new-generation machinery and upgrade their existing equipment. This strategic support has led to the widespread adoption of modern combine harvesters equipped with smart technologies. These include assisted driving systems, real-time operation monitoring capabilities, and intuitive digital touch interfaces, all of which contribute to more precise and productive farming.
Adding to the positive outlook are the favorable weather conditions. Meteorological departments have confirmed the nearing end of the rainfall that commenced on June 6. With clearer skies anticipated over most wheat-producing regions in the coming days, faster crop maturation and uninterrupted harvesting are expected, further accelerating the completion of the summer wheat harvest.
