China's Vice Agriculture Minister Zhang Taolin answers questions from journalists at the news conference held by the state council information office on April 14, 2015. [Photo: China.org.cn]

A new document released by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture has set the goal for prevention and control of agricultural pollution by 2020.

The document suggests that a safe food supply, agricultural product quality control, and agricultural ecological environmental security should be ensured by 2020.

China's Vice Agriculture Minister Zhang Taolin points out China's agricultural resources and environment are facing dual pressure from outer contamination and endogenous pollution.

"On the one hand, industrial and mineral pollution has been transferred to agriculture. This leads to the deterioration of agricultural environment. On the other hand, long-term overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and unreasonable disposal of agricultural waste has worsened the problem. "

Zhang Taolin further explains the goals set in the document.

"The total amount of agricultural water consumption and water environment pollution must be controlled. Water used for agricultural irrigation must be kept within 372 billion cubic meters. The dose of chemical fertilizers and pesticide should also be reduced. What's more, recycling and safe disposal of agricultural wastes should be facilitated."

While great efforts are made to prevent pollution, food safety is also receiving much concern.

Recently, hybrid rice, which is also called "super rice" has caused contention from the general public.

The rice seeds provided by Longping High-Tech Company Ltd have suffered crop output reduction or even complete failure.

The Ministry of Agriculture says that this effect is because the resistance of the seeds to pathogens is relatively low.

Zhang Taolin says hybrid rice is of great significance to ensuring sustainable levels of grain output and national food security.

He adds the adaptability evaluation of super rice will be strengthened in the future.