China's major grain-producing province Heilongjiang is expecting a bumper harvest for the 16th year in a row, with annual grain yields to exceed 75 billion kg by year-end.
Heilongjiang's soybean planting area increased by 10 million mu (around 666,667 hectares) this year to reach more than 60 million mu in total, while the planting areas of maize and rice reached over 80 million mu and around 60 million mu, respectively, data from the provincial department of agriculture and rural affairs showed.
The northeastern province was the largest grain producer in China between 2011 and 2018, securing basic food self-sufficiency and providing a steady supply of quality grain products.
The province's agricultural products including grain and vegetables have been exported to dozens of countries and regions.
Heilongjiang achieved a total grain output of around 75 billion kg in 2018, accounting for one-ninth of the country's total.