As snow began to thaw in late April in Heihe, a city in China's northeasternmost province of Heilongjiang, soybean grower Li Fuqiang wasted no time in kickstarting the spring ploughing season.
Over the next two weeks, Li and his dedicated team at a local agricultural cooperative worked tirelessly, putting in about 15-hour days to plant approximately 10,666.7 hectares of soybeans. Their relentless efforts were aimed at maximizing the planting season and ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Heilongjiang, often hailed as China’s grain barn, plays a pivotal role in the country’s agricultural landscape. Heihe alone boasts more than 1.3 million hectares dedicated to soybean production. In 2023, the city achieved a remarkable soybean output of 2.6 billion kilograms, maintaining its status as the top producer in China and accounting for one-seventh of the nation’s total soybean production.
Li Fuqiang, alongside his four partners, established the agricultural cooperative in 2012. They contracted fields from over 1,200 rural households, pioneering a model of whole-process mechanized farming that spans from spring sowing to autumn harvest. This approach has not only increased efficiency but also significantly boosted yields.
The success of their modernized, large-scale soybean farming has earned Li and his team commendations from local authorities. In recognition of his contributions, Li Fuqiang was honored with the title “Soybean King,” highlighting his role in advancing agricultural practices in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
