ISBN: 970-648-145-1 Erika C.H. Meng Ruifa Hu Xiaohua Shi Shihuang Zhang Apdo. Postal 6-641, 06600 Mexico, D.F., Mexico www.cimmyt.org Maize in China: Production Systems, Constraints, and Research Priorities Erika C.H. Meng1 Ruifa Hu2 Xiaohua Shi3 Shihuang Zhang4 1 Economist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), El Batan, Mexico. 2 Professor, Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy (CCAP), Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. 3 Lecturer, Department of Agriculture, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, China. 4 Director and Professor, Maize Research Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China. CIMMYT® (www.cimmyt.org) is an internationally funded, not-for-profit organization that conducts research and training related to maize and wheat throughout the developing world. Drawing on strong science and effective partnerships, CIMMYT works to create, share, and use knowledge and technology to increase food security, improve the productivity and profitability of farming systems, and sustain natural resources. Financial support for CIMMYT’s work comes from many sources, including the members of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) (www.cgiar.org), national governments, foundations, development banks, and other public and private agencies. © International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) 2006. All rights reserved. The designations employed in the presentation of materials in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CIMMYT or its contributory organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. CIMMYT encourages fair use of this material. Proper citation is requested. Correct citation: Meng, E.C.H., Ruifa Hu, Xiaohua Shi, and Shihuang Zhang. 2006. Maize in China: Production Systems, Constraints, and Research Priorities. Mexico, D.F.: CIMMYT. Abstract: This report was undertaken as part of a seven-country project to promote the sustainable intensification of maize production systems in upland environments in Asia. Maize is cultivated throughout China and plays a key role in farm households through its contribution to food, feed, and income. As one of the primary sources of feed in China, it has played an important role in the rapid development of poultry and livestock industries. Maize production environments are characterized in the report using findings from primary farm and village level data collected across China’s maize belt. An assessment of technological constraints and needs of farm households is presented in the report, as well as the results of a maize research priority-setting workshop, where farm and village level information and experience were utilized to focus on the role of research and technology development in improving maize productivity. The identification of constraints to maize production highlighted differences in the surveyed regions, but also revealed many common problems encountered by maize farmers. Drought was targeted as a key constraint, along with others such as poor on-farm crop management, lack of technology and information dissemination, and poor seed quality. Participating farmers and scientists discussed a range of possible solutions to eliminate or minimize the effect of the constraints. Some of the constraints can largely be addressed through technological solutions, although the mere availability or development of technological solutions does not guarantee either their accessibility to farmers or their on-farm use. A challenging and unique mix of government intervention and liberalization of agricultural and market policies continue to influence maize production in China. Addressing the complex set of identified priority constraints to future maize production will necessarily involve a combination of science and policies to tackle the broader issues of markets, infrastructure, and farmer capacity. ISBN: 970-648-145-1 AGROVOC Descriptors: Maize; Agricultural development; Technology transfer; Farming systems; Cropping systems; Cropping patterns; Environmental factors; Research projects; China; Asia AGRIS Category Codes: E10 Agricultural Economics and Policies F08 Cropping Patterns and Systems Dewey Decimal Classif.: 633.15051 Printed in Mexico. Contents Page No. Ta b l e s .............................................................................................................................................. v Figures ............................................................................................................................................. vi Acknowledgments ..........................................................................................................................vii 1. Introduction................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Project and Report Objectives ................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Methodology for Farm-Level Data Collection ....................................................................... 1 1.3. Background .................................................................................................................................. 2 1.3.1. Maize production ................................................................................................................ 2 1.3.2. Maize consumption ............................................................................................................ 4 2. Characterization of Maize Agroecological Regions in China ............................................ 5 2.1. Overview of Maize Production Environments in China...................................................... 5 2.1.1. Northeast Region ................................................................................................................ 7 2.1.2. North Region ....................................................................................................................... 7 2.1.3. Northwest Region ............................................................................................................... 7 2.1.4. Ye llow-Huai River Valley .................................................................................................. 8 2.1.5. Southwest Region ............................................................................................................... 8 2.2. Cropping Calendar ..................................................................................................................... 8 2.3. Maize Production and Poverty ................................................................................................. 9 2.4. Survey Sites ................................................................................................................................ 10 2.5. Climatic Conditions .................................................................................................................. 10 2.6. Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................. 14 2.6.1. Roads and transportation ................................................................................................ 14 2.6.2. Markets ............................................................................................................................... 14 2.6.3. Irrigation infrastructure ................................................................................................... 15 2.7. Institutional Environment ....................................................................................................... 16 2.7.1. Sources of inputs............................................................................................................... 16 2.7.2. Farmer groups ................................................................................................................... 16 2.7.3. Credit institutions ............................................................................................................. 16 2.7.4. Output and input prices ..................................................................................................18 2.8. Socioeconomic Characteristics ................................................................................................ 19 2.8.1. Households ........................................................................................................................ 19 2.8.2. Ethnicity.............................................................................................................................. 19 2.8.3. Education............................................................................................................................ 19 2.8.4. Land tenure ........................................................................................................................ 19 2.8.5. Maize utilization ............................................................................................................... 19 2.8.6. Characterization of variation in participating farmers .............................................. 25 2.8.7. Local perceptions of poverty and wealth ....................................................................