110 million tons of storage capacity, a market-based minimum price mechanism, and a peak season lasting until September

As reported by CCTV+, the summer grain purchase season in China is set to begin at the end of this month. During the peak period, about 100 million tons of wheat are expected to be purchased, roughly the same as last year’s volume.

Summer crops account for more than 20 percent of the country’s annual grain production. Over 90 percent of that is winter wheat. The peak purchase season runs from late May to the end of September.

This year, the summer grain harvest is expected to start about a week later than usual. The first batches have already reached the market in Hubei and Sichuan provinces.

Luo Shouquan, Director of the Food Reserves Department of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, said: “Preliminary analysis shows that wheat purchases during the peak season will reach about 100 million tons, accounting for about 70 percent of total [wheat] production — virtually unchanged from last year.”

Luo added that authorities will step up market analysis and forecasting, and will adjust policies as needed. He stressed the need to promote market-oriented purchases and encourage the participation of various buyers. He called on leading state-owned enterprises to take a leading role in purchases to boost market confidence.

The official stated: “A total of 110 million tons of storage capacity has been prepared across the country, which is sufficient to meet farmers’ needs. We will strengthen market monitoring, promptly activate the minimum purchase price mechanism in relevant regions, and coordinate both offline and online channels to ensure orderly purchases and maintain stability in the grain market.”

100 million tons of wheat. Behind this mountain of grain lies the labor of millions of farmers, the precise calculations of logisticians, and the peace of mind of entire cities. The harvest is a week late — nature’s reminder of who is really in charge. But the barns are full, the price is guaranteed, the mechanism works. China’s food security system does not panic. It simply does its job. And while the world wonders whether there will be bread, China already knows the answer. Because a crop in the field is not yet a victory. Victory is when it is safely stored in the granaries.