As the snow thaws in late April in Heihe, a city in China’s northeastern province of Heilongjiang, soybean grower Li Fuqiang leads his team into the fields. Wasting no time, they commence spring ploughing with full vigor.
Over the next two weeks, Li and his team at a local agricultural cooperative work tirelessly, putting in about 15 hours a day to plant soybeans across approximately 10,666.7 hectares. Their goal is clear: to make the most of the planting season and contribute to the region’s agricultural output.
Heilongjiang, often referred to as China’s grain barn, boasts more than 1.3 million hectares dedicated to soybean production in Heihe alone. In 2023, the city produced an impressive 2.6 billion kilograms of soybeans, securing its position as the top soybean-producing city in the country and accounting for one-seventh of China’s total output.
In 2012, Li and his four partners established the agricultural cooperative by contracting agricultural fields from over 1,200 rural households. Their cooperative has implemented modernized, large-scale soybean farming practices, achieving whole-process mechanized farming from spring sowing to autumn harvest.
This approach not only enhances efficiency but also supports local economies by involving numerous households in the agricultural process. Recognizing their success and innovation, local authorities have honored Li with the title of “Soybean King.”
Li’s enthusiasm and dedication reflect a broader movement among Chinese farmers who are embracing modern techniques to boost productivity and meet the growing demands for soybeans both domestically and internationally.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
