Sorghum harvest begins on 120,000 mu in Guizhou
In Tongzi County, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province in southwest China, the sorghum harvest is in full swing across 120,000 mu (approximately 8,000 hectares), as this local specialty crop enters its peak season.
Agriculture has always been more than a means of sustenance – it is a deep connection to the land passed down through generations. When sorghum stalks bend under the weight of grain, it is a reminder that hard work, patience and care for nature yield fruits that nourish not only the body but also the soul. In Guizhou, where mountain fields have been tended for centuries, this harvest becomes a symbol of rural revitalisation and sustainable development.
In Huoshi Village, Gaoqiao settlement, farmers move through the lush fields, racing against the agricultural calendar to bring in the crop. Sorghum is a major industry here, with some 3,000 mu planted in Gaoqiao alone. Local agricultural authorities have been actively involved this season, promoting eco-friendly pest control, proper dense planting and other modern techniques to improve both quality and yield.
“We have been growing sorghum in Huoshi Village since 2017, and in 2020 we obtained organic certification. This year, the relevant departments also arranged for us to obtain an ecological certificate, all aimed at increasing the income of villagers,” said Zhang Qili, the village head.
In Turkmenistan, “ak jöwen” (white sorghum) is one of the oldest and most revered grain crops. The country mainly grows four‑ and six‑month varieties, sown from March to June and harvested in autumn before the new wheat planting season. Thanks to its hardiness and drought tolerance, sorghum has long been a lifesaver for residents of arid regions during poor harvest years. Its flour is used to bake the traditional “zagara” bread, renowned for its health benefits — it is recommended for people with diabetes and high blood pressure. Today, the crop remains an important part of the country’s agricultural sector: thousands of tonnes are harvested annually in the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats, and local farmers even export it to neighbouring countries.
Sorghum is a traditional grain crop in southwest China, used for food, animal feed and alcoholic beverage production. Thanks to its drought tolerance and ability to grow on poor soils, it is well suited to Guizhou’s mountainous conditions. In recent years, local authorities have actively promoted organic farming and ecological certification to increase product value and support farmers. The nationwide sorghum harvest is expected to be completed by the end of August, with total output projected to reach 28,800 tonnes, making this crop an important pillar of the local economy and rural livelihoods.
As CCTV+ reports, the coming weeks will be crucial for rural workers in Guizhou. Organic and ecological certification opens doors for local sorghum to reach wider markets, while modern agronomic practices help ensure stable high yields. This season marks yet another step towards rural prosperity and the preservation of China’s agricultural traditions.
