China has thus far succeeded in feeding nearly one-fifth of the world's population with less than 9 percent of the world's total land. However, it has become clear that scientific and technological innovation will be necessary if China wishes to feed its population in the future.

China's central authorities on Wednesday issued their first policy document for 2012, which highlights the role of science and technology in agriculture and states that science and technology are the "ultimate way" to ensure sustainable agricultural development and long-term sufficient supplies of farm produce.

"The document is expected to be followed by a string of policies, which will result in a boom in the development of agricultural science and technology," said Dang Guoying, a rural development researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The issuance of the document, as well as remarks by top officials and a rural work conference held in recent months, are a signal that the government is gravely concerned with food safety and is paying more attention to the development of agricultural technology.

"Considering all the factors, it will be an arduous task to find a balance between supply and demand for farm produce in the future," said Premier Wen Jiabao in an article about rural development published last month.

The public will need more and safer farm produce due to a growing population, increased urbanization, improved living standards and the consumption of farm produce for industrial purposes, Wen said.

Agricultural development has been hindered by shortages in land and water resources, growing production costs, a decreased labor force, environmental pollution and ecological degradation.

Global agricultural output, oil prices, venture capital speculation and currency exchange rate fluctuations have also had a significant influence on China's farm produce market.

"Agriculture in China has entered a new stage in which science and technology have become more important factors in breaking through resource and environmental restrictions and achieving sustainable and stable development," Wen said.

To ensure an effective supply of agricultural products is vital to the country's overall strategic development amid a complicated global economic situation, the deepening influence of global climate change and increasing shortages of arable land and water at home, according to the policy document.