China has made solid progress in the modernization of its seed industry in recent years, an agriculture official said.

The coverage rate of improved crop varieties has exceeded 96%, said Zhang Taolin, vice minister of agriculture and rural affairs, at a recent work meeting, adding that these varieties have played a significant role in ensuring consecutive bumper harvests and sufficient farm produce supply in the country.

Meanwhile, the country's independently cultivated varieties occupy more than 95% of the total crop planting area, Zhang said.

Giving top priority to food security in its agricultural work, China has made efforts to boost its grain self-sufficiency. Data from an earlier news conference showed that China is completely self-sufficient in the production of rice and wheat, two staple grains of the country.