By outdoor-nature-child.com In the vibrant autumn of October, the fields of Shanxi Datong are painted with the fiery reds of sorghum and the golden yellows of corn. This picturesque scene is a testament to Datong’s commitment to developing organic dryland agriculture and supporting farmers’ income growth. So far, the city has established 1.9 million acres of organic dryland agriculture demonstration zones, discovering new pathways for high-quality development that incorporates organic practices, integrated farming, and the blending of agriculture with culture and tourism.
At the core demonstration zone in Wengchengkou Village of Jijiashang Township in Yunzhou District, the bustling activity reflects the success of over 2,000 acres dedicated to organic dryland agriculture. Village Party Secretary Chen Jixin explains, “We’ve implemented dual-ridge ditch planting and full-film coverage along with drip irrigation technology. This year, with favorable market conditions for grain, the average household in our village has generated around 30,000 yuan in income from grain alone. For those cultivating sorghum, incomes have reached even 50,000 to 60,000 yuan.”
Wengchengkou Village, recognized as a model for organic dryland agriculture after nearly three years of development, has established itself as a core area primarily focused on cultivating sorghum and millet. The village has adopted a “five unifications” management model, which includes unified planning, technology, standards, services, and sales, leading to significant income increases for the farmers.
The impressive outcomes being achieved are a clear reflection of Datong’s deep engagement in the agricultural sector, guided by green, organic, and low-carbon principles, with a focus on “specialty and quality” as the path for development. This approach not only cultivates high-quality agricultural production but also promotes income growth for local farmers.
Since 2020, Datong has been developing a demonstration zone known as the “One Belt, Six Parks, Multiple Bases” model, integrating organic communities, dryland production, agricultural product processing, hands-on farming experiences, and leisure tourism. They have promoted the “full-film dual-ridge ditch planting + drip irrigation + integrated water and fertilizer” technology model across 815,000 acres, achieving an increase of over 200 pounds per acre.
Currently, the coverage rate for quality corn and sorghum seeds in Datong has reached 100%, with over 90% coverage for millet varieties. Soil testing and formula application, as well as green pest management in designated areas, are exceeding coverage rates of 92% and 90%, respectively.
This year, Datong is leveraging large-scale development to boost production and income. The promotion has expanded from point-based demonstrations to full-scale development across entire villages, townships, and counties, ensuring consistent high yields in organic dryland agriculture. Building on this foundation, Datong has also established model areas for “ton-per-acre” yields, particularly in Yunzhou District, Yanggao County, and Tianzheng County. They have successfully cultivated premium industries such as Tianzheng brewing sorghum, Guangling selenium-rich millet, Hunyuan angelica, Yanggao high-quality apricots, and Zuoyun high-altitude buckwheat, crafting a new era of green, low-carbon, organic, and efficient agricultural production that emphasizes diversified crops and competitive, distinctive industries.