In its quest for new avenues of growth, China’s major grain-producing province of Henan is reaping the rewards of technological innovation. Once known primarily for its vast wheat fields, Henan is now emerging as a hub for high-tech industries, signaling a significant shift in its economic landscape.
“Technological innovation has become the primary driving force for Henan, leading changes in the region’s development momentum, structure, and quality,” said Wang Kai, Governor of the central Chinese province, during a press conference on Thursday.
Under Wang’s leadership, Henan has rapidly expanded its innovation capacity. The province now boasts 13 state key laboratories, 172 national innovation platforms, and more than 12,000 tech firms. Such infrastructure has spurred significant investment in the high-tech manufacturing sector, which saw a remarkable 22.6 percent year-on-year increase in 2023—surpassing the national average by 12 percentage points.
Strategic emerging industries, including advanced equipment manufacturing, electronic information, and biomedicine, have become major drivers of industrial growth. Products such as Henan-produced optical communication chips, sensors, and superhard materials have captured substantial market shares within the country.
Despite this technological surge, Henan remains committed to its agricultural roots. “Grain production is a trump card that can never be lost,” Wang emphasized. The province is enhancing food security by improving farmland quality, cultivating superior seed varieties, promoting the use of agricultural machinery, and refining planting techniques.
These efforts are paying off. Wang predicts that Henan’s grain yield will reach 70 million tonnes by 2025, up from 68 million tonnes in 2022. Currently, the province contributes a quarter of China’s wheat production and leads in the output of oil crops and edible fungi. Additionally, Henan ranks second nationwide in the production of vegetables and poultry eggs.
Henan’s dual focus on innovation and agriculture exemplifies a balanced approach to development, positioning the province as both a technological innovator and a guardian of food security in China.
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Henan, famous for grain production, speeds up tech innovation drive
cgtn.com
