Xinjiang leads China's cotton production surge amid technological advancements

Amidst rising temperatures, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, renowned as China's primary cotton-producing hub, is embarking on this year's cotton planting season with renewed vigor. Mechanized operations are now fully operational across the expansive cotton fields in the region.

The integration of cutting-edge technologies like the BeiDou satellite navigation system and autonomous driving systems has significantly enhanced planting efficiency throughout the cotton cultivation process.

Official data from the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that Xinjiang, one of the globe's premier cotton-producing regions, produced approximately 5.69 million tonnes in 2024. This marks a significant increase of 574,000 tonnes from the previous year, maintaining an annual output exceeding 5 million tonnes for seven consecutive years and accounting for a substantial 92.2 percent of China's total cotton production. The cotton industry has emerged as a pivotal cornerstone in elevating the livelihoods of local communities.