Problems concerning grain production and distribution in China: The case of Heilongjiang province

Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China has been blessed with ample agr icultural resources and thus serves as one of the most important food suppl y bases in China. The growth in grain production there over the last twenty years has been remarkable and has contributed greatly to improvement in th e nationwide food supply. Rice production has shown the fastest growth amon g all the grains, due to rapid technological change and expansion of rice p lanted area. Technology transfer of the dry field seedling transplantation method from Japan has helped most to stabilize and increase Heilongjiang's rice yield and expand rice planted area northward, by overcoming such disad vantageous conditions as cold weather and short frost-free seasons. Agricul tural measures, such as extending farmland lease contract durations, establ ishing a more rational agricultural financial system, building cooperative sales organizations, and promoting upstream and downstream industries, are necessary for the agricultural development of Heilongjiang Province in the future.