But the price sank further this year. Selling now would mean a loss of more than 30,000 yuan ($4,623), according to Zhang, who has more than 20 years of planting experience.

Li Linjun, head of the grain bureau in Henan province, one of China's major grain bases, said the local government has no room in its granaries to store new crops purchased this year. "Farmers will have a lot of difficulty selling grain this year," Li said.

Experts have been calling for agricultural reforms to reduce production of the undesirable low-quality grains that are currently taking up so much room in granaries.

The government should allow the prices of some grain varieties to float and provide subsidies for growers when market prices are too low for them to make ends meet, said Qin Qingwu, a member of the China Agricultural Economy Society.

China's 13th Five-Year Plan announced earlier this month has a big focus on improving the quality of agricultural products.

Agriculture Minister Han Changfu said China would change its approach from ensuring continuous growth in grain output to ensuring it is farming varieties of grain that are in demand. Authorities will put more stress on improving farmland and encouraging the application of new technology in farming.

"By relaxing control on grain output growth, the government can put more effort into upping food quality," said Ren Zhengxiao, head of the State Administration of Grain.

Having planted less grain, Wang Cuifen said she would seize the opportunity to rehabilitate her farmland and grow some organic vegetables.