As autumn paints the landscape with vibrant colors and the harvest season is in full swing across China, we take a closer look at the intensive agricultural activities taking place, particularly in Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shanxi, Shandong, and Anhui.

In Suiling County, Heilongjiang Province, over 500,000 acres of rice are being harvested, and the scene in the fields is busy with multiple harvesting machines at work. “These machines handle everything from cutting and threshing to crushing straw in one go,” reported our correspondent, Yu Wenbo, who witnessed the process firsthand. “They’re already unloading rice grains while other machinery prepares the fields for the next planting.”

A standout feature of rice cultivation here is the use of drone technology. Fields are sown without traditional rows or lines—just densely packed seeds spread evenly across the landscape. This method saves time and effort, as it eliminates the seedling and transplanting stages. Despite a reduction in steps, the yield remains high at about 1,200 pounds per acre. Combining this with scientific management not only boosts efficiency but also conserves significant labor resources, enhancing overall productivity.

The cooperative has further improved its operations by transitioning entirely to domestically produced harvesting machines. These new machines can adjust their cutting height automatically to accommodate varying land conditions and can even harvest lodged rice, minimizing grain loss. With the capacity to harvest nearly 100 acres per day, they also chop the straw and return it to the fields to enhance soil fertility. After the harvest, the straw is mixed into the soil, which increases organic matter and improves soil structure—an essential practice for preserving the region’s black earth.

The cooperative’s large-scale approach to farming has resulted in cost savings and increased efficiency. This strategic model allows non-farming residents to seek alternative employment opportunities, allowing them to earn extra income while their land is cultivated professionally.

Additionally, the cooperative collaborates closely with Northeast Agricultural University to establish experimental fields that promote sustainable farming practices, providing a solid foundation for local agricultural development. As of now, over 90% of the rice has been harvested, with expectations of full completion by October 20.

Moving to Liaoning Province, the rice harvest in Panjin is also in full swing. In this region, not only is rice transformed into high-quality branded products, but by-products such as rice bran and husks are harnessed to create value-added products like rice oil and rice bran wax. According to the China Grain and Oil Association, about 650,000 tons of food-grade rice oil were produced in 2023, signaling robust market potential.

Panjin, one of Liaoning’s key rice-producing areas, has over 1.6 million acres dedicated to rice cultivation in 2024, accounting for more than 90% of the region’s grain crops. Multiple deep-processing enterprises have implemented a new model of “contract planting—deep processing—high-tech product development,” driving up efficiency and sustainability through innovative practices.

In Jiangsu’s Lianyungang, however, the rice harvest is still ramping up, but the urgent sowing of wheat is already underway in the Yihe Tang area. Large seeders traverse the fields as farmers work diligently to clear weeds and prepare the soil for planting. Advanced techniques such as mechanical sowing, measured fertilization, and deep tillage are being promoted to ensure quality and set the stage for a bountiful wheat harvest.

Further inland in Shanxi Province, corn harvesting is thriving in Houma City, where over 100,000 acres of corn are being collected using mechanized methods. Local agricultural officials have adopted precision drip irrigation technology to optimize water and fertilizer use—a critical response to the summer’s extreme heat and drought, resulting in higher yields and better crop health.

In Shandong’s Gaoqing County, eco-friendly agricultural practices are flourishing. Farmers are utilizing livestock manure to enrich the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. This method not only enhances soil health but also boosts crop yields while promoting environmental sustainability.

Lastly, in Anhui’s Tianchang City, preparations for the fall grain harvest are in full swing, with local grain storage facilities being upgraded to handle approximately 200,000 tons of stored grains. Smart upgrades to storage technology enable real-time monitoring of grain conditions, ensuring that farmers can sell their crops under optimal circumstances. This year, with rice plantings reaching 1.22 million acres and expected yields of 490,000 tons, local authorities are taking extensive measures to support and enhance the efficiency of the grain procurement process.

The collaborative efforts across these provinces reflect a commitment to leveraging technology, practicing sustainability, and maximizing harvest potential as China continues to navigate its agricultural challenges ahead.