China targets 53 mln hectares for high-standard farmland by 2020

China aims to cultivate 800 million mu (53.33 million hectares) of high-standard farmland by 2020, said an economic planning official on Tuesday.

China will invest 1,000 yuan (164.1 U.S. dollars) to 2,000 yuan per mu to increase yields by an average of 100 kg per mu, said the official with the National Development and Reform Commission, citing a recently-approved national plan.

China's State Council has approved a national plan for high-standard farmland construction, setting a goal of cultivating 400 million mu in high-standard farmland by 2015 and a total of 800 million mu by 2020.

The soil of the farms will be richer in organic content and less contaminated, according to the plan.

The move will lay a foundation for guaranteeing agricultural product supply in China, said the official.