On September 2, 2024, Xuanhan County in Sichuan hosted a pivotal event focused on the “Fengcheng Experience,” which showcases 30 years of research and development in high-yield corn cultivation. The event attracted over 200 experts from across China, including members of national corn yield improvement and mechanization teams, as well as scholars from Hebei, Jiangsu, and Sichuan. The gathering aimed to explore new approaches and technologies for enhancing corn production in hilly areas.
Key Achievements and Innovations
Xuanhan County, located at the southern foot of the Daba Mountains, is a major corn-producing region with 1.327 million mu (approximately 88,500 hectares) of arable land. Characterized by its “seven mountains, one river, and two fields” terrain, the county has historically faced challenges in corn production due to its hilly landscape. However, through persistent efforts over the past 30 years, Xuanhan has significantly increased its corn output—from 445,000 tons to 603,000 tons.
One of the highlights of this progress is the dramatic rise in corn yield per hectare, which increased from 238 kg in 1995 to 530 kg in 2023. The peak yield for a single field reached an impressive 1,290.8 kg per mu, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Fengcheng Experience. This achievement reflects significant advancements in both seed varieties and farming techniques.
Fengcheng Experience: A Model of Success
According to Mou Jinyi, Director of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Fengcheng Experience has achieved breakthroughs in overcoming barriers to high yields and mechanization in hilly regions. The experience includes innovations in crop variety selection, planting density, and mechanization, leading to record-setting yields in corn, rice, and potatoes. The latest demonstration featured the “Two Gardens and Two Areas” model, showcasing cutting-edge equipment and methods for corn planting, management, and harvesting.
Zhang Jie, Vice Mayor of Dazhou City, noted that Dazhou has been a leader in grain production, holding the top position in Sichuan for eleven consecutive years. The city has committed to enhancing its modern agricultural machinery industry and improving grain yield through high-yield research and development projects. The integration of machinery, research, and application in hilly areas is key to these efforts.
Future Directions
The event underscored Xuanhan’s dedication to advancing corn production by combining stable cultivation area expansion with yield improvements. Yang Yong, Secretary of Xuanhan County Committee, emphasized the county’s commitment to enhancing corn productivity and achieving provincial leadership in corn production.
The conference also included field visits to key demonstration areas in Fengcheng Town, where attendees observed thriving corn fields and discussed future strategies for corn cultivation in hilly regions.
Sichuan’s 30-year journey in corn production, epitomized by the Fengcheng Experience, provides a valuable model for agricultural advancement in hilly areas. The event in Xuanhan County not only highlighted significant achievements in yield and mechanization but also demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating technology with traditional farming practices. This successful approach offers important lessons for other regions facing similar agricultural challenges.
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