China turns Taklimakan Desert into fertile wheat fields

Wheat fields now stretch across Kunyu City, a region on the southern edge of China's Taklimakan Desert. This area, once known for its barren landscapes and sandstorms, is becoming productive farmland through a combination of irrigation technology, soil management, and water resources from the mountains.

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The irrigation system helps reduce flying sand and protects the crops. It also increases humidity, which is beneficial for wheat growth.

The winter wheat fields are currently ready for harvest. However, developing agriculture near one of Asia's largest deserts was not easy. Farmers faced challenges with windblown sand that could damage young crops. To combat this, they use large central pivot irrigation systems. These systems supply water and reduce airborne dust and sand. "The irrigation system helps reduce flying sand and protects the crops. It also increases humidity, which is beneficial for wheat growth," said Cui Gangchuang, head of a local wheat plantation.

The water used for irrigation comes from snowmelt in the Kunlun Mountains. After filtration, the water flows to the agricultural areas on the desert's fringe. Beyond wheat, local farmers are successfully growing other crops, including rice. Soil improvements and water-saving technologies enable cultivation in environments previously considered unsuitable for farming. "This once barren land has now transformed into productive farmland. We are proud of what we have achieved," said local rice farmer Zhang Zhengqian.

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This once barren land has now transformed into productive farmland. We are proud of what we have achieved.

Efforts to diversify crops continue. In newly reclaimed areas, farmers are cultivating castor plants, known for their resilience in extreme environmental conditions. "In this newly reclaimed land, we are planting castor. Castor is drought-resistant, alkali-resistant, and tough, making it very suitable for this area," said Xiao Han, head of a castor plantation. The transformation in Kunyu exemplifies how modern agricultural technology can overcome environmental limitations. Amidst increasing climate change challenges and growing food demand, developing agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions is viewed as a crucial strategy for future food security.

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In this newly reclaimed land, we are planting castor. Castor is drought-resistant, alkali-resistant, and tough, making it very suitable for this area.