Farmland

ULAANBAATAR — The Government of Mongolia has approved the reclassification of 3,169.42 hectares of fallow land for crop production. The decision is part of efforts to expand cultivated areas and support domestic food production.

The reclassified land is located in Taishir soum of Govi-Altai aimag and the soums of Argalant, Batsumber, Bayandelger, Bayanchandmani, TseeI, Sergelen and Erdene in Tuv aimag.

The total area of 3,169.42 hectares is equivalent to approximately 31.7 square kilometres. However, the reclassification does not mean cultivation has begun or that the conditions are already in place to produce a specific yield on the land.

Policy to expand agricultural land reserves

Mongolia is pursuing policies to increase agricultural production and improve the use of cropland as part of efforts to strengthen food supply and security. Reclassifying fallow land for crop production is one measure intended to expand the land available for agricultural activity.

However, the productivity of newly developed land will depend heavily on soil fertility, precipitation, irrigation availability, weather conditions, roads and production infrastructure. After the land classification is changed, preparations for putting the areas into actual use, investment and cultivation plans will therefore be critical.

Potential impact on domestic food production

If the newly reclassified land is used appropriately, it could increase domestic food production capacity. However, assessing the actual increase in output will require consideration of the area to be cultivated, the crops to be planted, yields per hectare and production costs.

Environmental risks, including soil degradation, wind erosion and the availability of water resources, must also be taken into account when using fallow land for cultivation. Alongside expanding land reserves, improving productivity on areas already under cultivation will help support sustainable growth in food production.

The tangible results of the government’s decision will be determined by how the newly reclassified land is used, the area brought under cultivation, crop yields and the implementation of environmental safeguards.