Luo Cheng, from Xinjiang Hongtai Seed Industry Technology Co, checks the cotton plants. [Photo by Guo Yanqi/ For chinadaily.com.cn]

Beneath the mulch, drip tapes deliver water and nutrients with precision—part of a tightly managed system aimed at boosting yields.

This field belongs to Xinjiang Hongtai Seed Industry Technology Co, a local cotton seed breeder and producer known for its high-performance varieties and technology-driven cultivation.

"In our demonstration fields, we've reached 670 kilograms per mu since October 2024," said Luo Cheng, director of the company's R&D center. "That's well above the national average of under 400 kilograms, and higher than many global benchmarks".

Cotton plants in Hongtai's demonstration fields. [Photo by Guo Yanqi/ For chinadaily.com.cn]

Fu Xiaolong, an official from the local agricultural bureau, noted that the county-wide average yield last year was around 548 kilograms per mu, while Hongtai took the lead.

The achievement stems from advanced technologies applied throughout the production cycle, from breeding to planting.

A shift from a six-row seeding layout to a three-row configuration per mulch strip in the field has improved ventilation and light access.

This, combined with a smart irrigation system powered by an agricultural IoT platform, enables precise water and fertilizer based on crop demand, absorption and reducing waste.

A ladybird on a cotton plant in Hongtai's demonstration field, reducing the need for chemical pest control. [Photo by Guo Yanqi/ For chinadaily.com.cn]

All seeds undergo double magnetic screening before field use. Germination rates exceed 90 percent, while mechanized harvesting achieved over 95 percent picking efficiency.

At the company's seed testing facility, technician Liang Hong checked trays for the automatic germination chamber. "We test every batch for temperature and humidity response," she said. "Our goal isn't just high output, but consistent quality".

Beyond meeting domestic demands, Hongtai's seeds are expanding into international markets.

Liang Hong, a technician of Xinjiang Hongtai Seed Industry Technology Co, is processing the cotton seeds in the seed testing facility in Luntai county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Guo Yanqi/ For chinadaily.com.cn]

In the first quarter of 2025, the company exported over 800 tons of cotton seeds to Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan.

"Our seeds are performing well abroad too," said Zhang Yanshan, the company's executive president. "They adapt to mechanized harvesting, with stable quality and strong yields".

He added that joint trials are also underway in Egypt, Pakistan, and India, in collaboration with local agricultural authorities.

As the growing season continues, cotton fields in southern Xinjiang are advancing to the next stage. For producers like Hongtai, that means monitoring performance at home while seeds bearing their names are also being evaluated in fields abroad.

编辑：呼乐乐