Every midsummer, Yumin County in Tacheng Prefecture, nestled in the northwest of the Chinese mainland’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, transforms into a sea of vibrant orange. For decades, safflower fields have been the pride of local farmers — today spanning over 200,000 mu (about 13,333 hectares).
With more than 60 years of cultivation, safflower has found its perfect home here. Abundant sunshine, stark day–night temperature shifts, pure mountain water and fertile soils combine to create an ideal environment for these hardy blooms.
But Yumin’s safflower story goes beyond the fields. Local authorities have launched bold initiatives to brand “Xinjiang Safflower” as a premium product. From research centers optimizing seed varieties to processing workshops turning petals into oil and natural dyes, every link of the safflower industry chain is getting an upgrade.
This push isn’t just about crops — it’s about community. Safflower processing plants now provide new jobs, while cooperative training programs help smallholder farmers adopt modern techniques. Early reports show household incomes rising across several village clusters.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and agri-tech enthusiasts, Yumin’s safflower revolution is a case study in how tradition and innovation can bloom side by side. As the world seeks sustainable, plant-based solutions, Xinjiang’s safflower fields are painting a promising picture of rural revitalization.
Reference(s):
Xinjiang color palette: Safflower industry boosts local economy
cgtn.com
