Xinjiang’s cotton fields are thriving like never before. In 2024, this northwest region of China produced nearly 5.69 million tonnes of cotton — that’s an impressive increase of 574,000 tonnes compared to last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This phenomenal growth means Xinjiang now contributes over 92% of China’s total cotton production, setting a new record.
How did they achieve this? By expanding the cotton planting area to nearly 36.72 million mu (about 2.45 million hectares) in 2024, which is a 3.3% increase from the previous year. Not only that, but farmers boosted the average yield to 154.9 kg per mu, up 7.6% year on year, through improved farming techniques.
The real game-changer has been technology. The Xinjiang Cotton Association reports that the mechanization rate of cotton planting has reached a full 100%, with mechanical harvesting at around 90%. This embrace of modern agricultural machinery has made cotton farming more efficient and boosted production significantly.
Since the 1990s, Xinjiang has become China’s cotton capital. But it’s more than just numbers — the cotton industry, from planting to processing and spinning, has become a lifeline for local communities, providing jobs and improving livelihoods.
On a national scale, China’s total cotton production in 2024 exceeded 6.16 million tonnes, marking a nearly 10% increase year on year. With Xinjiang leading the way, China continues to meet its cotton needs and support its vast textile industry.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
