Small farms key to taking on hunger

Modest operations account for more than 90% of global food producers

China has underlined the importance of the role of smallholder farming as G20 members gather to address the global hunger and poverty crisis that's been worsened by climate change, conflicts and trade barriers.

That was the message sent out by Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ma Youxiang at the G20 meeting of agricultural ministers held in Cuiaba, Brazil, in September.

Smallholder farming — a major source of livelihood for millions of people worldwide — is foundational to China's sprawling agricultural sector.