Zhangye City in northwestern China has established itself a key player in the nation's agricultural sector, producing nearly half of the country’s corn seeds and ensuring future harvests with its highly mechanized seed-production base.
With the arrival of autumn, mechanized harvests of Zhangye's 80,000 hectares of corn are in full swing.
This city is recognized as a national corn seed production hub, with an annual planting area exceeding 70,000 hectares and an impressive output of 530 million kilograms of high-quality hybrid corn seeds. The area boasts over 1,600 variety combinations, accounting for nearly 50 percent of China's corn seed supply, directly impacting overall corn production.
The hybrid corn produced there is notable for its strong disease resistance and high yield. However, to maintain these advantages, farmers must plant new seeds each season due to the variability in size and color of the hybrid corn, which only retains its beneficial traits for a single crop cycle.
Zhangye's unique geographical advantages further enhance its seed production capabilities. Nestled on an oasis west of the Yellow River, the city is shielded by the Qilian Mountains to the south and surrounded by desert, which effectively prevents foreign pollen contamination. Additionally, the Heihe River, China's second-largest inland river, supplies clean meltwater, making it an ideal location for producing corn seeds.
With these unique geographical advantages, Zhangye was selected by scientists as the best place to produce corn seed in China.
Modern seed companies are increasingly establishing operations in Zhangye, utilizing advanced technology and equipment to streamline the production process.
"We have introduced the most advanced technology and equipment. When the corn is harvested from the field, it can be produced into packaged seeds automatically after drying, sorting, coating and other processes," said Yao Shengcai, deputy general manager of the Gansu Zhongzuo Agricultural Technology Company.
Given China's vast landscape, it is essential that corn seeds are tailored to local climatic conditions. Thus, localized quality testing is a crucial aspect of the production process.
"Normally, we test the moisture, germination rate, purity, and virus detection of the corn seeds. We can provide testing for corn seeds throughout the country, and issue a national-level test report certificate," said Chen Yaya, an inspector at the Zhangye National Corn Seed Production Base.
With the ability to store these seeds at normal temperatures for over six years, they are ready to sprout in spring, ensuring that farmers across the country can rely on high-quality seeds for their future harvests.
China's corn seed production base secures future bumper harvests
