China: The World’s No. 1 Wheat Producing Country

China is the world’s largest wheat producer, accounting for about 17% of the global wheat production in the last 20 years. China’s wheat output has increased steadily since the Communist Revolution in 1949, thanks to the adoption of improved varieties, irrigation, fertilization and mechanization. China’s wheat is mainly used for domestic consumption, as the country is also the world’s largest wheat consumer.

China’s wheat consumption

Wheat is one of the most important staple crops in China, especially in the northern and western regions where rice is less suitable. Wheat is used to make various foods such as noodles, steamed buns, dumplings, pancakes and bread. Wheat is also an important ingredient in animal feed and industrial products.

China’s wheat production

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), China produced 136.9 million tonnes of wheat in 2021, followed by India with 109.6 million tonnes and Russia with 76.1 million tonnes. The European Union, the United States and France were also among the top 10 wheat producing countries in the world.

Wheat production in China faces several challenges, such as limited arable land, water scarcity, climate change, pests and diseases, and market fluctuations. China has invested heavily in research and development to improve wheat yield and quality, as well as to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. China has also implemented policies and programs to support wheat farmers and ensure food security.

This article provides an overview of China’s wheat production, consumption, trade and prospects. It also discusses the main factors that affect wheat production in China, such as agronomy, technology, environment and policy.

Wheat Production Trends and Global Demand

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in the world, providing food for billions of people and feed for livestock. Wheat production is influenced by many factors, such as climate, soil, pests, diseases, and market demand. In this article, we will explore the trends and challenges of wheat production in the world, focusing on the top wheat producing country, China, and the global demand for this commodity.

China: The World’s Largest Wheat Producer

China ranks first in wheat production in the world. It achieved a spectacular wheat output in the years following the “Communist Revolution” 1949. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), China produced more than 136 million metric tons of wheat in 2021, accounting for about 17% of the global wheat production. China’s wheat production has increased steadily over the past two decades, thanks to improved varieties, irrigation, fertilization, mechanization, and pest control.

However, China also faces some challenges in maintaining its wheat production level and quality. One of the main challenges is water scarcity, as wheat is a water-intensive crop that requires about 1,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of grain. China’s wheat-growing regions, such as the North China Plain and the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, suffer from severe water shortages and groundwater depletion. Another challenge is climate change, which may affect wheat yields and quality by altering temperature, precipitation, and pest and disease patterns. For instance, higher temperatures may reduce the length of the growing season and increase the risk of heat stress and drought. Moreover, climate change may also increase the occurrence of extreme weather events, such as floods, hailstorms, and frost, that can damage wheat crops.

To cope with these challenges, China has adopted various strategies to improve its wheat production efficiency and sustainability. Some of these strategies include:

Developing new wheat varieties that are more resilient to drought, heat, pests, and diseases.
Promoting water-saving irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.
Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) practices, such as crop rotation, biological control, and reduced pesticide use.
Enhancing soil fertility and health by applying organic fertilizers and crop residues.
Adopting precision agriculture technologies, such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and smart sensors.

Global Demand for Wheat

Wheat is not only a staple food for many people around the world but also a raw material for various industries, such as baking, brewing, milling, animal feed, and biofuel. According to the FAO, the global demand for wheat was estimated at 773 million metric tons in 2021/22, an increase of 1.4% from the previous year. The main drivers of wheat demand include population growth, income growth, urbanization, dietary diversification, and industrial use.

The largest consumers of wheat in the world are China (19%), India (15%), European Union (14%), Russia (6%), and Pakistan (4%). These countries consume most of their wheat domestically for human food or animal feed. However, some countries also import or export significant amounts of wheat to meet their domestic demand or supply other markets. The largest exporters of wheat in the world are Russia (21%), European Union (16%), Canada (13%), United States (11%), and Ukraine (10%). These countries mainly export their wheat to developing regions, such as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The largest importers of wheat in the world are Egypt (7%), Indonesia (6%), Turkey (5%), Brazil (5%), and Algeria (4%). These countries mainly import their wheat from developed regions or neighboring countries.

The global demand for wheat is expected to continue to grow in the future due to several factors. First, population growth will increase the demand for food in general and wheat in particular. The United Nations projects that the world population will reach 8.5 billion by 2030, with most of the growth occurring in developing regions where wheat consumption is rising. Second, income growth will enable more people to afford diversified diets that include more wheat products. The World Bank estimates that the global gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by 4% in 2021, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic that caused a contraction of 3.5% in 2020. Third, urbanization will increase the demand for processed and convenience foods that contain more wheat ingredients. The United Nations estimates that 68% of the world population will live in urban areas by 2050, up from 56% in 2020. Fourth,
industrial use will increase the demand for wheat as a feedstock for biofuel and bioplastic production. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that the global biofuel production will increase by 25% by 2025, driven by policies and incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security.

Wheat is a vital crop for global food security and economic development. China is the world’s largest wheat producer, but it also faces some challenges in maintaining its wheat production level and quality. The global demand for wheat is expected to continue to grow in the future due to population growth, income growth, urbanization, and industrial use. To meet the growing demand, wheat producers and consumers need to adopt sustainable and innovative practices to increase wheat production efficiency and quality, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance food safety and nutrition.

References:

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize

http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC/

https://businessfinancearticles.org/wheat-producing-countries
https://www.statista.com/statistics/237912/global-top-wheat-producing-countries/
https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/wheat
http://www.fao.org/worldfoodsituation/csdb/en/
https://population.un.org/wpp/
https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects
https://population.un.org/wup/
https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2020/biofuels