China’s grain production has increased from 135 kilograms per mu in 1978 to 367 kilograms recorded in 2017, boosted by indigenous innovation in agriculture, according to the Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences (CAAS). China has cultivated a batch of good germplasm resources and genomes and completed the genetic mapping and sequencing of major types of farm produce such as rice, wheat and corn, Zhang Hecheng with the CAAS told a meeting marking the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up. The country also completed the genetic sequencing of key animals including pigs, cattle and sheep, Zhang said. He underlined the country’s breakthroughs in the cultivation of hybrid rice, and prevention and control of animal and plant epidemics, as well as pest control technology. Zhang also called for consistent effort to boost innovation and develop green and smart agriculture. 2018/19 season wheat production is forecast at 129.0 million tons, down by 770,000 tons from last season on policy-driven declines in harvested area. And 2018/19 season wheat imports are forecast at 4.0 million tons. Xinhua