Wheat harvesting has begun in China's southwestern provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou, with expectations of a strong yield driven by improved crop management and favorable growing conditions, according to agricultural authorities.
In Sichuan, winter wheat is reported to be in good condition, with limited pest and disease outbreaks. The application of integrated high-yield technologies has contributed to anticipated gains in output.
Field surveys in Yunnan and Guizhou also point to positive crop development, according to experts.
"In southwest China's wheat-growing areas, among three key yield factors, the number of ears has significantly increased, the number of grains per ear has seen a slight rise, and grain weight remains stable. As a result, we expect a notable increase in overall yield," said Tang Yonglu, a wheat expert from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
With favorable conditions reported across key growing regions, China is on track for a stable or increased wheat harvest, with large-scale reaping expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The Huang-Huai-Hai region, which includes Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Jiangsu, and Anhui, contributes about 75 percent of China's wheat output.
Winter wheat planted cross 36 million mu (about 2.4 million hectares) in Jiangsu has entered the grain-filling stage.
In Henan, where planting covers around 85 million mu (about 5.67 million hectares), authorities have stepped up pest control and irrigation efforts to extend the grain-filling period and improve yields.
In Shandong, preparations for the harvest are underway with 190,000 combine harvesters readied and over 10,000 technicians deployed for equipment maintenance and operator training.
Promising wheat yields in China expected as southwestern provinces begin harvest
