Core Viewpoint - The protection of arable land is crucial for ensuring food security in China, emphasizing the need for a systematic approach that integrates quantity, quality, and ecological considerations [1][17]. Group 1: Current Situation of Arable Land - In Hubei's Xianning City, significant loss of arable land has been observed, with the area decreasing from over 3,600 acres to around 1,200 acres due to fragmentation and abandonment [3]. - The decline in rural labor force and low returns from fragmented arable land have led to severe abandonment issues in both mountainous and flat areas [3][5]. - Historical practices have left many arable lands occupied by economic forests, further complicating the situation and leading to fragmentation [5]. Group 2: Policy and Management Strategies - The local government is considering a strategy to optimize land use by relocating arable land from mountains to plains and vice versa, aiming for contiguous development of arable land [5][7]. - The natural resources department emphasizes the need for a structured approach to classify and manage arable land, including recognizing, restoring, and replacing land as necessary [9]. - Recent data indicates that from 2009 to 2019, approximately 117,800 acres of arable land were converted to forest land, highlighting the urgency of addressing land use policies [7]. Group 3: Improvement Initiatives - In Yunnan's Chuxiong City, land improvement projects have successfully increased the area of irrigated land and improved overall arable land quality, resulting in a grain yield increase of 148 million kilograms [11]. - The establishment of cooperative platforms for agricultural operations has enhanced the efficiency and profitability of farming activities [11]. - The implementation of land reclamation projects has allowed for the recovery of arable land, with a focus on maintaining a balance between land occupation and compensation [13][15]. Group 4: Future Directions - The government aims to strengthen the protection of arable land through strict enforcement of policies and a focus on sustainable land use practices [17]. - A holistic approach to land management is being promoted, integrating various ecological factors to ensure the long-term viability of arable land [17].