Recognizing current shortfalls in the food processing industry,
China is now introducing new intensive processing systems
nationwide to cover the major items of farm produce. This is seen
as an important technical provision of the 10th Five Year Plan.
The implementation of these developments is expected to solve the
various technical problems that currently hold back the intensive
processing of agricultural products.
The food processing industry is most directly affected. The first
steps will involve the introduction of new technologies that will
significantly enhance its innovative ability and competitive
strength.
This initiative will improve processing capacity from current
levels of 20-30 percent to some 40 percent of agricultural
production. The ratio of processed production to total production
(measured by value) will improve from say 0.4:1 to 0.7:1.
In
addition, these technical measures will help open the door to a new
generation of top brand names with potential for significant market
share. They will facilitate innovation and pioneering applications
of production line techniques. They will nurture the growth of
enterprises in the field of intensive food processing and foster
the development of the necessary scientific skills.
The focus will be on key technologies in the processing of soybean,
maize, apples, vegetables and meat products. There will be an
emphasis on quality control and monitoring capabilities.
(China.org.cn by Tang Fuchun, August 13, 2002)