An empirical study of the Gansu agricultural structure adjustment based on supply-side reform

With the improvement of Chinese national income and consumption levels, the national food consumption structure has changed. Gansu is a typical agricultural and pastoral province; thus, it is important to determine ways to adapt to the change in the current food structure and future food demands. In this study, we systematically analysed the current agricultural production structure and changes in food consumption in Gansu Province using survey data from the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Hall and the statistical data of the Yearbook. Results show that the current grain planting area accounts for 65% of the cultivated land area in Gansu Province. Pork production accounted for 53.55% of pig, beef, and mutton production, and the agricultural production structure of Gansu Province is still dominated by 'pig-grain'. We found that the food consumption structure in Gansu Province has changed in the past 10 years. The average annual per capita consumption of wheat raw grain decreased by 4.28%, the average annual growth of per capita consumption of pork and beef and mutton increased by 0.23%. The consumption of beef and mutton in meat had a 9.74% substitution effect on pork. One option for structural adjustment in Gansu is to develop grassland agriculture. Here, we provide practical suggestions for adjusting the agricultural structure in Gansu Province. Based on conclusions from this study, we suggest that Gansu Province should first focus on supply-side reform in agricultural structure adjustment and optimization. This can be achieved by promoting the adjustment of planting structure, particularly concerning grain choices in feed. We also suggest building forage and foddering bases with diverse varieties. Finally, an herbivorous animal husbandry structure mainly composed of cattle and sheep should be established to adapt to the change of food consumption structure.