Key Takeaways
- Xinjiang cotton farmers are utilizing smart agricultural technology to enhance production efficiency and quality.
- Processed Xinjiang cotton is being developed into high-performance materials like vulcanized fiberboard, which is gaining international traction.
- The region is also exporting both its cotton-based products and advanced agricultural technology to global markets.
Smart Agricultural Advancements
In Shihezi City, Xinjiang, innovative agricultural technologies are transforming cotton farming. Intelligent management systems enable a single worker to oversee significantly more land—up to 300 mu (20 hectares)—compared to traditional methods, improving labor efficiency dramatically. The technology includes real-time sensors for monitoring field conditions, allowing farmers to manage operations remotely via smartphones. This not only streamlines farming practices but also enhances cotton quality.
From Raw Material to High-Tech Products
In a nearby facility in Manas County, local companies are converting Xinjiang cotton into high-value materials such as vulcanized fiberboard, known for its strength and flexibility. This “steel paper” is utilized in various applications, including automotive and telecommunications. Yuan Yi Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., the exclusive producer of this material in northwest China, reports a strong market position, holding 45 percent of the domestic market share and generating significant export revenues.
Global Market Expansion
Almost half of Yuan Yi’s production is exported to Asian and European markets, with export sales comprising 35 percent of total revenue. Beyond product exports, Xinjiang is also sharing its agricultural expertise, particularly in water-saving irrigation technologies. The Xinjiang Tianshan Agricultural Research Institute is actively promoting these innovations to countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to enhance agricultural practices abroad.
Current projects include foundational smart farming tools like subsurface drip irrigation, with the technology already implemented across nearly 66,700 hectares in 17 countries.
Through these advancements, Xinjiang cotton exemplifies China’s efforts to enhance its agricultural value chain, transitioning from a basic raw material to sophisticated industrial products and competitive technological innovations on the world stage.
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