(Yicai Global) May 16 -- The cultivated area of soy, other beans and certain grain crops will grow his year to lift supplies, but corn and rice will be cut, as will chemical pesticide and fertilizer use, said Zeng Yande, head of the crop production office of China's agriculture ministry, at a press conference today.

The overall soybean planting area will reach almost 8.5 million hectares this year, up by 666,667 hectares.

The area given over to rice and corn will be pruned to reduce inventory pressures this year, Zeng advised. Rice acreage this year is expected to be 29.3 million hectares, down by over 600,000 from last year.

After achieving the goal of zero growth of chemical fertilizers and pesticides three years ahead of schedule, China will continue to practice this policy this year, focusing on two aspects: (1) using organic fertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers; and (2) applying green technologies to substitute for chemical methods to prevent and control diseases and pests, Zeng said. This year, 150 major counties that produce fruits, vegetables and tea have been chosen as pilot sites for organic fertilizers as a substitute for chemical ones. Another 150 counties were selected as pilot sites for use of green technologies as pesticide replacements.

China will continue advance the green, high-quality, and high-efficient development of its agricultural system, Zeng added. Thus far, 325 key counties have been picked to foster an organizational system that aims to establish and promote green and high-efficient technical patterns featuring environmental protection and high-efficiency resource utilization, while enhancing production efficiency.

China leads the world in chemical pesticide use, according to reference website Worldatlas.

 Editor: Ben Armour