中经评论：数量增长不是耕地保护终点

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of protecting arable land in China to ensure food security, highlighting the need to adhere to the 1.8 billion mu (approximately 1.2 billion acres) arable land red line established by the government [1][2] Group 1: Current Status of Arable Land - The trend of decreasing arable land has been reversed, with total arable land increasing to 1.94 billion mu by the end of 2024, an increase of 28 million mu since 2020 [1] - Historical data shows that from 1957 to 1996, arable land decreased by over 6 million mu annually, and from 2009 to 2019, the annual decrease exceeded 11 million mu [1] Group 2: Challenges in Arable Land Protection - Despite the recent increase, challenges remain, including the scarcity of quality arable land, illegal land use, and the phenomenon of "non-agricultural" and "non-grain" land use [2] - The government has established a policy toolbox consisting of regulatory, incentive-based, and construction-oriented measures to protect arable land [2] Group 3: Policy Perspectives - From a legal perspective, the implementation of joint responsibility for land protection has led to stricter enforcement and accountability among local governments [2] - An economic incentive mechanism is proposed to balance the interests of provinces in land protection, rewarding those that exceed their targets and penalizing those that fall short [3] Group 4: Agricultural Development Strategies - The construction of high-standard farmland is crucial for improving land quality, with increased financial support from the central government for such initiatives [4] - The focus should be on prioritizing high-quality arable land for grain production while also considering other crops like oilseeds and vegetables [4] - The article advocates for modern agricultural practices and the integration of land use and land conservation to enhance agricultural productivity [4]