“The focus on per-unit yield increases is particularly important. China has limited scope to ​expand farmland or irrigation resources, so any meaningful increase in capacity has to come from productivity gains ⁠rather than acreage expansion,” said Matthew Nicol, a China agriculture policy analyst.

I was immediately tipped off here. Why is a white person being interviewed here? What was going on? I found this “Matthew Nicol” online, he is a member of “China Policy”, a group which “interprets” Chinese policy for foreign companies (MNCs and western governments as listed in their own “our clients” section). This is the only part of the article where commentary is provided, and it’s some “orient whisperers” people.

Rest of the article provides information which is very reassuring. The Chinese government is taking good steps here. Especially on matters of protecting soil quality.