A vast cotton field in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has set a new national record for large-scale mechanical cotton harvest in China. The record-breaking yield of 11,154 kilograms per hectare was achieved in a 7.1-hectare field located in the Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bortala.
The remarkable achievement was monitored and verified by the Xinjiang regional department of agriculture and rural affairs, along with experts from the National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Center, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Shihezi University. Their collaborative efforts ensured the accuracy of the harvesting and output data.
Wang Daguang, an agro-tech extension and services researcher in Jinghe County of Bortala, reflected on the significant progress made over the decades. “In the 1990s, the average local cotton yield was just 4,500 kilograms per hectare,” he noted. The new record, more than double the historical average, is a testament to the advancements in agricultural technology and practices.
The success in Bortala is expected to inspire cotton growers across the region to adopt innovative scientific methods and technologies in their agricultural activities. With 92,667 hectares of cotton fields, Bortala stands as one of Xinjiang’s leading cotton-producing areas, contributing substantially to China’s cotton industry.
The introduction of advanced mechanization and agronomic techniques has not only increased yields but also enhanced the efficiency and sustainability of cotton farming in the region. As Xinjiang continues to harness science and technology in agriculture, it paves the way for greater productivity and economic growth, benefiting farmers and the broader community alike.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
