Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Liu Yi) news: On September 8, 2023, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, autumn grain in Xinjiang has entered the harvest season, and the harvest work is gradually being carried out from south to north. Nearly 2 million mu of autumn grain has been harvested in Xinjiang, indicating a smooth and efficient operation.

Aerial photo taken on September 5, 2023 shows farmers drive harvesters to harvest corn in Aheqi Farm, Jinghe County, Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Liu Quan)

This year, the main autumn crops in Xinjiang include grain corn, soybeans, rice, and potatoes. Currently, corn harvesting is mainly concentrated in Kashgar Prefecture, Aksu Prefecture, and Hotan Prefecture; the majority of soybean harvesting takes place in Kashgar Prefecture and Aksu Prefecture; and potato harvesting has begun in various planting areas. In order to help farmers maximize the farming season and make the most of the limited time after the autumn harvest, local governments have identified planting areas and selected seeds in advance. This has allowed farmers to sow winter wheat on time and set the groundwork for a bountiful harvest of wheat the following year.

Photo taken on September 3, 2023 shows the spring wheat grows well and is expected to be harvested in mid-September in Qitai Farm, Wujiaqu City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Li Huabei)

It is known that Xinjiang has been closely focused on the national plan to increase grain production capacity. This year, the target for grain production has been set at 41.3 million mu, an increase of 4.8 million mu compared to the actual planting area of the previous year. The autumn grain planting area is expected to reach around 24 million mu, an increase of over 4 million mu compared to the previous year, with a total output expected to exceed 14 million tons. Currently, the autumn grain crops in Xinjiang are growing well, and the harvest of autumn grain is promising.

Photo taken on August 31, 2023 shows farmers drive machinery to harvest silage corn. The 23,500 mu of silage corn is ripening one after another in Qie'erkeqi Township, Altay City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Farmers speed up the harvest and make silage feed to ensure enough "nutritional meals" for livestock during the winter. (Photo by Ardak Bashan)

“This year, the harvest time for autumn grain is tight and the tasks are heavy," Tang Yiwu, director of the Planting Industry and Pesticide Management Division of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, said that currently, agricultural and rural departments at all levels are focusing on fertilizer and water management, pest control, and concentrating efforts on field management in the later stage of autumn grain production, as well as the maintenance, scheduling, and cross-regional operations of harvesting machinery. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will organize on-site observation meetings and other activities to thoroughly discuss the technical pathways to increase corn yield and quality, tap the potential for increasing yield and quality, promote the comprehensive production capacity of grain, ensure stable and abundant autumn grain production, and make sure the target of producing more than 20 million tons of grain set at the beginning of the year can be achieved successfully.

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