Abstract
China’s vegetable production is diversified, with key crops such as cucumber and tomato accounting for a large share. Data for 2022 shows cucumbers will boast the largest yield at 77.3 million tonnes (Mt), mirroring historical trends. China produces a wide range of vegetables, including cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbages, and eggplants, which contribute not only to domestic consumption but also to exports. In terms of land use, there has been progress in making more efficient use of land area for vegetable production, and the area of land used for cultivating tomatoes and cucumbers is expanding, especially in warmer regions. Looking at the uses of tomatoes, the overwhelming majority are produced for consumption, but there is also a certain demand for tomatoes for processing, and this has led to the development of the processing industry. In particular, demand for processed tomatoes for export, such as sauces and juice, is on the rise. As sustainable agriculture and technological innovation progress, vegetable production efficiency is expected to improve further in the future. In addition, flexible approaches to land use and crop selection are required to respond to climate change and changes in consumer needs.
Production (by vegetables)
China’s vegetable production has experienced significant growth from 1961 to 2022, with cucumber production in particular showing notable growth. In 2022, cucumbers recorded their highest ever production volume of 77.3 million tonnes (Mt), which was 100% compared to its peak. This is thought to be due to advances in agricultural technology in China, increased demand, and the expansion of cultivated area. Production of major vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbages, and eggplants is also increasing, contributing not only to domestic consumption but also to the export market. From the 1960s to the 1990s, production volume increased rapidly thanks to improvements in production technology and support from agricultural policies. Then, from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, agricultural mechanization and efficiency improved, resulting in a major improvement in productivity. The reason why cucumber production has reached this scale is due to changes in consumer eating habits and increased demand due to urbanization. Additionally, efforts are underway to achieve higher yields, including innovative cultivation techniques and greenhouse cultivation. In the future, responding to climate change and technological innovation to achieve sustainable agriculture will likely become important issues.
The maximum is the latest one, 68.3Mt of Production volume
Yield(by vegetable)
China’s tomato production has made great progress between 1961 and 2022, with tomato yield reaching a peak of 59.9 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) in 2022. This yield reflects technological innovation and agricultural efficiency in tomato cultivation, as well as the growing demand for more diverse uses of tomatoes. From the 1960s to the 1990s, China’s tomato production was in the early stages of expansion, but the increase in production volume was relatively slow. However, from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, advances in agricultural mechanization, improvements in irrigation techniques, and improved varieties led to a dramatic increase in productivity. This led to a rapid increase in tomato yields and increased cultivation, especially in agriculturally productive areas. In addition, demand for tomatoes is increasing not only for fresh consumption but also for processed products, such as sauces and juices, which are produced for export. This has expanded the share of Chinese tomatoes not only in the domestic market but also in the international market. The spread of climate adaptation technologies and highly efficient cultivation methods played a major role in the peak of yields in 2022. In the future, the introduction of sustainable agricultural techniques and improvements in quality will be required, while responding to climate change will become an important issue in maintaining productivity.
The maximum is the latest one, 59.9t/ha of Tomato
Land use (by vegetables)
According to data from 2022, land use in China’s vegetable production is diverse, with asparagus accounting for the largest share at 1.46 million hectares (mha), and the average land use for other major vegetables is 767 thousand hectares (kha). The total vegetable production area reaches 7.67 million hectares, a scale that demonstrates the diversity of China’s agricultural production. The widespread cultivation area of asparagus reflects the expansion of consumption and export demand, particularly in recent years, and improvements in cultivation techniques and the expansion of production areas have made efficient land use possible. As a result, China has established itself as a major asparagus producing country, and in addition to domestic consumption, supply to overseas markets is also increasing. On the other hand, other staple vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and cabbage are also widely grown, with the area cultivated for these vegetables being adjusted according to the climate and demand in each region. Especially in warm regions, conditions are ideal for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and other crops, and highly efficient land use is being promoted. Overall, with advances in agricultural technology and changes in market demand, land use for vegetable production is becoming more efficient year by year, and it is expected that the introduction of climate-adapted agriculture and sustainable farming methods will continue to progress in the future.
The maximum is 68.3Mt of Production volume, the average is 68.3Mt, and the total is 68.3Mt
Tomato usage
Based on data from 1961, tomato production in China is mainly divided into fresh and processed. That year, total tomato production reached a record high of 68.3 million tonnes (Mt). This was also the time when tomatoes began to be recognized as an important crop in Chinese agriculture, and as demand for fresh produce increased, the processing industry also developed. In particular, demand for fresh tomatoes has soared as domestic consumption has increased, driven by progress in urbanization and diversifying dietary habits. Consumption at home has increased, and it is now widely used in salads, stews, stir-fries, and other dishes. At the same time, the demand for tomatoes for processing has also expanded, with products such as tomato sauce, juice, and canned goods being produced, and these processed products are now supplied not only to the domestic market but also for export. From this period to the present, tomato production has expanded with the introduction of efficient cultivation techniques, maintaining a balance between fresh and processed tomato production and developing to cater to both markets. The expansion of tomato production for specific uses can be seen as the result of advances in breeding and production technology, as well as agricultural policies that adapt to changes in consumer needs. Adopting sustainable production methods will continue to be key in the future.
The maximum is the latest one, 68.3Mt of Production volume
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