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China, the world's top grain consumer, loses 35 billion kilograms of grain each year in storage, transportation and processing, state-owned Xinhua News reported Wednesday (December 23rd, 2020), citing an official report.
The heavy pre-consumption loss is due to several factors, including outdated storage facilities, logistics equipment and processing techniques, according to the report, which was based on research by the National People’s Congress (NPC).
Reducing grain loss and food waste has become an essential part of safeguarding food security, the report said, noting that “despite sufficient grain reserves, the country maintains a tight balance between supply and demand.”
The NPC report recommended improving agricultural infrastructure, and developing more efficient harvesters and smart grain depots to reduce grain loss at the pre-consumption stage, said Xinhua.
The research also found that up to 18 billion kg of food is wasted annually in the catering industry in cities, Xinhua said.
President Xi Jinping said in August that food wastage was “shameful” and “shocking”. He urged China to maintain a sense of crisis about food security, prompting many local governments to launch campaigns and restaurants to raise penalties on buffet wastage.
Source: Online/SZK
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