China to boost innovation in agriculture sector on food security concerns

The country will expand efforts at developing "new productive forces" through science and tech innovation in agriculture, the ministry of agriculture and rural affairs said, citing a meeting chaired by minister Tang Renjian.

China will also "improve the mechanism for deep integration of sci-tech and agriculture industry," and speed development of intelligent agriculture and farm product processing, the ministry said.

The announcement comes as the country pledges to achieve self-reliance in agriculture technology and improve food security amid geopolitical tensions, climate and demographic changes.

China has invested large sums of money in research for agriculture in recent years but has few large commercial companies that invest in long-term research and development to bring innovative solutions to market.

The ministry will also ensure the stability of soybean planting areas, guide adjustment of hog production capacity and take measures to regulate the market and prices of farm products, according to the ministry statement.