China proposes new law to protect farmland and boost soil quality, aiming to maintain at least 1.8 billion mu.

China has submitted a draft law on farmland protection and quality improvement to its National People's Congress for first review. The proposed eight-chapter, 65-article law aims to strengthen safeguards for arable land, restrict non-agricultural use, and enhance soil quality. It supports China’s goal of maintaining at least 1.8 billion mu of farmland, a target critical to food security. By the end of 2024, farmland had reached nearly 1.94 billion mu, up 28 million mu since 2020. The legislation reflects ongoing efforts to balance development with sustainable agriculture.