A quiet textile revolution is unfolding in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, transforming it into a global powerhouse in cotton production. While the world often focuses on high-tech advancements like quantum computing and semiconductors, Xinjiang's strides in the agricultural sector, particularly in cotton cultivation and processing, are equally noteworthy.
In recent years, Xinjiang has seen an impressive increase in cotton production, accounting for over 90 percent of the Chinese mainland's cotton output. This region produces nearly twice the amount of cotton compared to all of the United States combined, highlighting its critical role in the global cotton supply chain.
Despite the U.S. imposing sanctions on Chinese cotton exports in 2022 over allegations of human rights abuses and forced labor, the impact has been minimal. A study released on May 7 revealed that 19 percent of products sold by U.S. and global retailers contained traces of Chinese cotton. Additionally, European exports of Xinjiang cotton soared by a record 217.8 percent in the first two months of the year, demonstrating the resilience and inefficacy of the sanctions in today's interconnected world.
The transformation in Xinjiang's cotton industry is driven by remarkable technological advancements. Mechanization has revolutionized farming practices, with plowing and sowing fully mechanized and harvesting reaching an 80 percent mechanization level. Overall, the mechanization rate has soared to 94 percent, a significant leap from 21 percent in 2014.
Looking ahead, Xinjiang is projected to produce 5.11 million tons of cotton in 2024, making up approximately 20 percent of the world's cotton production. This growth is supported by cutting-edge technologies, including 185 patented inventions in cotton harvesting and packaging. Modern harvesters now enable the processing, planting, tending, and harvesting of 200 hectares of cotton fields with just two people, vastly improving efficiency and productivity.
Xinjiang's cotton revolution not only challenges previous labor-intensive practices but also positions the region as a key player in shaping the future of the global textile market. As technology continues to advance, Xinjiang's cotton industry exemplifies how modernization can drive economic growth and sustainability on a massive scale.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
