Kuqa City in Xinjiang has officially launched the harvest of 58,000 hectares (143,320 acres) of winter wheat, with farmers and local authorities working together to maximize efficiency and minimize losses. The region’s high level of mechanization—over 99% of harvesting is done by machines—demonstrates the success of China’s push for agricultural modernization.
High Yields and Mechanized Harvesting
Farmers in Kuqa report strong yields this season, with average production reaching 550 kg per mu (approximately 8.25 metric tons per hectare). For example, Reziwanguli Musha, a farmer from Yaha Town’s Sugaitlik Village, planted 200 mu (33 acres) of winter wheat and relied entirely on machinery for sowing and harvesting, significantly reducing labor costs.
The city has deployed 598 harvesters, with each machine capable of covering 500–1,000 mu (82–165 acres) per day. According to Wu Mut Aihemati, Deputy Mayor of Yaha Town, loss rates are kept below 2%, ensuring minimal waste.
Government Support and Future-Proofing Agriculture
To guarantee a smooth harvest, Kuqa’s agricultural bureau has:
- Established 13 cross-regional service stations to assist with machinery deployment.
- Conducted pre-harvest maintenance on all equipment to prevent breakdowns.
- Coordinated logistics to ensure timely grain transport and storage.
This approach aligns with China’s broader agricultural goals, where mechanization, precision farming, and smart agriculture are increasingly critical in maintaining food security.
Kuqa’s winter wheat harvest highlights the benefits of large-scale mechanization, with high yields, low loss rates, and efficient operations setting a benchmark for modern farming. As global agriculture faces challenges from climate change and labor shortages, investing in advanced machinery and smart farming techniques will be essential for sustainable food production.
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