On October 16, the reporter learned from the Datong City News Center in Shanxi Province that the city has developed a total of 1.9 million acres of organic dryland farming demonstration areas, resulting in an average yield increase of 20% to 30%. This initiative has contributed to enhanced agricultural efficiency and increased farmer incomes. Locally, a “Datong model” for organic dryland agriculture is emerging, emphasizing organic practices while integrating cultivation, breeding, and tourism.
In the picturesque village of Wengchengkou, located in the Yunzhou District of Datong, the bustling harvest season is in full swing across its 2,000 acres of organic dryland agriculture. Village Party Secretary Chen Jixin shared that the implementation of a “double ridge, full film coverage, and drip irrigation” technique has boosted grain yields. With favorable market conditions, farmers have reported income increases of several thousand yuan. On average, each household earns around 30,000 yuan—some even reach up to 50,000 or 60,000 yuan.
Wengchengkou Village, recognized as an exemplary model of organic dryland agriculture, has evolved over nearly three years into a primary hub for growing sorghum and millet. The village has also adopted a “five unifications” management model, which includes standardized planning, technology, standards, services, and sales, leading to significant increases in farmer earnings.
Since 2020, the city has persistently worked on creating a comprehensive “One Belt, Six Parks, Multiple Bases” demonstration zone that integrates organic communities, dryland production, agricultural processing, farming experiences, and leisure tourism. This effort has played a crucial role in demonstrating best practices. Additionally, Datong has promoted the benefits of the “four reductions, two increases” strategy in drip irrigation, implementing the “full film double ridge planting + drip irrigation + integrated water and fertilizer” model across 815,000 acres, with hopes of achieving an increase of over 200 pounds per acre.
Currently, the coverage rate for high-quality corn and sorghum seeds in Datong has reached 100%, while the coverage for millet seed exceeds 90%. Soil testing and tailored pest control efforts boast coverage rates of over 92% and 90%, respectively. These advancements lay a solid foundation for establishing a high-quality grain production base unique to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and contribute to sustained high yields in the city.
This year, Datong has established “ton grain field” demonstration areas primarily in Yunzhou District, Yanggao County, and Tianzhen County for corn. The city has also nurtured specialty products like Tianzhen brewing sorghum, Guangling selenium-rich millet, Lingqiu organic agriculture, local Astragalus, high-quality apricots from Yanggao, and cold-resistant buckwheat from Zuo Yun, creating a vibrant industrial landscape characterized by diversity and mutual benefits.
In recent years, Datong has developed two regional public brands, “Datong Good Grain” and “Datong Yellow Flower.” “Datong Good Grain” was recognized as one of the most influential agricultural product brands at the 18th China International Agricultural Products Trade Fair, while “Datong Yellow Flower” made it to the national top 100 regional public product brands. Notably, fresh yellow flowers have found a market in Canada, paving the way for high-end yellow flower products to reach international markets.
