The number of deals and the investment value of private equity and venture capital deals in the Chinese agriculture sector declined sharply in 2012 to a three-year low, according to a report from ChinaVenture Group on Jan 24.

The report said there were only 45 private equity and venture capital deals in the Chinese agriculture sector last year, decreasing 58 percent month on month. Their investment value totaled $240 million, decreasing 35 percent month on month.

Only seven Chinese agricultural companies were listed in the capital market in 2012, raising total funds of $385 million.