China has increased its national grain storage capacity to over 700 million tons by the end of 2023, a 36 per cent increase from 2014, Xinhua reported on Sunday citing the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration. This achievement is attributed to China's ongoing construction and modernisation of grain storage facilities, with over 65 million tons of additional capacity added since 2021. These new facilities prioritise improved airtightness and thermal insulation, ensuring optimal grain preservation, as highlighted by Zhou Guanhua, director of the administration's safe storage and technology department. The recent upgrades have modernised the grain storage system to better meet production and distribution needs, Zhou said. Outdated storage methods like open-air piles and stack storage have been largely phased out nationwide. State-owned grain warehouses now use a four-in-one technology that includes mechanical ventilation, fumigation, monitoring, and cooling systems. This method effectively enhances grain quality and freshness during storage. Furthermore, China is actively promoting sustainable practices within its grain storage infrastructure. This includes advancements in temperature control, internal circulation systems, and comprehensive pest control methods. These green technologies have contributed to a nationwide increase in low-temperature and near-low-temperature storage capacity, reaching 200 million tons by the end of 2023. The comprehensive loss rate of state-owned grain warehouses remains within a reasonable range of one per cent, Zhou added, reflecting the effectiveness of these combined efforts.
