Heilongjiang province has undertaken great efforts to upgrade its "green" food industry to make it a mainstay of the local economy.

Its push for production of safe and healthy food includes residue-free and organic agriculture and processing.

Green food production in Heilongjiang is experiencing robust development while yielding considerable economic profits. The province leads the nation in the field.

According to statistics from the provincial agricultural bureau, land growing organic or residue-free crops in 2007 reached 3.12 million hectares, 12.8 percent more than the year before. The total green yield was 21.21 million tons valued at 58.14 billion yuan, increases of 15.5 percent and 22.2 percent respectively.

This year land under such cultivation is projected to reach 3.33 million hectares yielding 23 million tons valued at 63.5 billion yuan.

Clean crops

A comprehensive industrial chain and enormous clusters of farms and processing centers enable successful production of organic and residue-free foods in the province.

Organic and residue-free crops in Heilongjiang account for 17.5 percent of the output value in its rural economy, compared to 5.4 percent in 1999. The development of the industry has brought renewed vitality to construction of the new countryside in the province.

Beginning with a few types of crops in 1990, the industry now has 14 categories ranging from crops and animal breeding to farming techniques and processing.

The province now has 106 green processing enterprises each with sales revenues of over 30 million yuan and 36 with sales revenues of more than 100 million yuan.

The province's green food products now include grains, cooking oil, meat, dairy products, medicine and beer.

Further measures

Despite its success, the green food industry in Heilongjiang still faces problems. Provincial authorities say regional advantages have not been given full play, the scale of the industry is still not big enough and its competitiveness should be further strengthened.

They note that Heilongjiang has fertile black soil, unpolluted water and clean air - advantages for the province to further develop the green food industry.

The government will make increased efforts to improve the awareness of environmental protection, such as using the media to help residents, especially farmers, know the benefits of a good environment in developing a green food industry and increasing their incomes.

It plans to foster a number of leading companies producing dairy products, rice, soybeans and special farm produce. Authorities say public services will also be improved to create a more favorable investment and living environment.

Development zones for growing and processing different kinds of green food will be established. More attention will be paid to combining traditional agricultural techniques with modern technology, raising funds and attracting talented people.

In line with regulations, the local government will give more support to small and medium-sized enterprises through subsidies, debt relief and other financial support.