China’s grain output is expected to hit a record 700 million tonnes this year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Friday.

The expected harvest comes after grain production has remained above 650 million tonnes for nine consecutive years, the ministry said at a press conference, Xinhua reported.

The harvest of summer grain and early rice has already been completed, with total summer grain production reaching 149.78 million tonnes, up 3.63 million tonnes from last year, and early rice production remaining stable at around 28.2 million tonnes.

The ministry also noted that the autumn grain harvest is continuing, with 82.5% of autumn crops harvested as of Thursday, reinforcing expectations of a bumper harvest this year.