In general, China can use only 14 % of its territory for agricultural production. Including fruit and tea plantations this amounted to nearly 135 Mio. ha in 2009. Since partially double cropping is practiced, in 2009 about 172 Mio. ha could be harvested. Almost a quarter of China’s territory is lost to roads, settlements, industrial areas and deserts.

Rice, wheat and corn are the three most important crops covering up to 55 % of the sown area. Over the years, rice and wheat acreages have slightly reduced since yields grew and competition for land tightened. Since 1990, corn acreage increased by 45 %, which is used predominantly as animal feed. Non-GMO-soybeans are grown both for food and feed. Tubers combine potatoes and cassava and production has been rather stable over time. Sugar beets can be found in the northern regions but are of minor importance. During the analyzed period vegetable acreage tripled. Also fruit orchards for apples, pears and citrus grew. Other crops include among others tobacco, fibre plants and further cereals.