China (PRC)

China covers about 9.6 million km², making it one of the largest countries in the world. Its geography is highly diverse, ranging from fertile river plains in the east to mountains, deserts and plateaus in the west. Major rivers such as the Yangtze River and Yellow River have historically supported agriculture and settlement. Climatic conditions vary widely, from temperate zones in the north to subtropical regions in the south.

For thousands of years, Chinese civilisation has relied on agriculture as its foundation. Traditional farming systems developed along river valleys, with crops such as rice and millet playing central roles. After the establishment of the modern state in 1949, land reforms and collectivisation reshaped agriculture, followed later by market-oriented reforms beginning in the late 1970s.

Today, the primary sector contributes about 7–8% of GDP but remains essential for food supply and rural employment. Roughly 55% of China’s land is used for agriculture, though only about 12–13% is arable due to mountainous and arid regions. China is the world’s largest producer of rice, grown mainly in southern regions, while wheat and maize dominate in northern areas. Other major crops include soybeans, cotton and vegetables.
Livestock farming is also significant. China is the world’s largest producer of pork and has large poultry and dairy sectors.

Forests cover about 23% of China’s territory, reflecting major reforestation efforts in recent decades.

China’s long coastline and extensive inland waters support fisheries and aquaculture. The country is the world’s largest producer of farmed fish.

Overall, China’s primary sector reflects its vast geographical diversity: intensive crop farming in fertile plains, livestock production across rural areas, expanding forest resources and major fisheries. Despite rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, agriculture, forestry and fishing remain vital for national food security and rural livelihoods.

In 2004 and 2005, Gerold participated in a bilateral project with the China Agricultural University in Beijing. Together with Herwart Böhm, Gerold conducted a workshop on biogas in October, after which Klaudi joined for a study tour across China. During this visit, Gerold explored key regions and cultural sites, including the Great Wall and Shangri-La near the Tibetan highlands, gaining insights into both rural development and China’s rapid modernization. The experience highlighted the country’s impressive progress alongside significant environmental and social challenges.
Gerold returned briefly to Beijing in 2013 and stopped in Shanghai in 2015. In 2023, Gerold spent two weeks in China, visiting Inner Mongolia, Shanghai, and Xichong in Sichuan.