Spring Sowing Kicks Off in Full Swing at Shandan Horse Farm Under Qilian Mountains

As temperatures rise and soil thaws to the optimum level, the golden season for spring sowing has arrived at the Shandan Horse Farm, nestled at the foot of the Qilian Mountains in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu Province. Local farmers are seizing the fine weather to carry out sowing operations in an orderly manner, with agricultural machinery roaring across the fields.

On April 9, seeders equipped with BeiDou navigation systems were seen sowing highland barley across the farmland, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency. This technological application is a key feature of this year's spring sowing campaign, ensuring precise seeding depth and spacing to enhance crop yield potential.

The farm, renowned as one of the world's largest and oldest continuous-operation horse breeding bases, is diversifying its crops this year to align with market demands and sustainable agricultural goals. Beyond highland barley, farmers are also planting wheat, potatoes, and forage grass. The sowing of forage grass is particularly crucial, as it supports the farm's animal husbandry sector, which breeds improved horse breeds and raises livestock.

The smooth progress of spring sowing relies on solid infrastructure and scientific management. Over the past years, Shandan County has accelerated the construction of high-standard farmland. By the end of 2025, a total of 458,700 mu (approximately 305,800 hectares) of high-standard farmland had been completed, providing a solid foundation for stable grain production and high-quality agricultural development. This year, the county plans to build an additional 26,000 mu of such farmland, further improving irrigation and transportation facilities.

Water conservation remains a priority in the arid Hexi Corridor. Local authorities are promoting water-saving technologies such as shallow buried drip irrigation and integrated water and fertilizer application. It is estimated that these measures will help save over 3.72 million cubic meters of water this year, guiding the agricultural sector towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly model.

Professional technical teams have been dispatched to the fields to provide on-site guidance. They offer advice on seed selection, soil testing, and pest control, ensuring that farmers adopt scientific methods to maximize production efficiency. As one local farmer noted, the combination of advanced machinery and professional expertise has significantly accelerated the sowing process, allowing them to complete the work much faster than in previous years.

The spring sowing at Shandan Horse Farm not only guarantees local grain and forage supply but also reflects the transformation and modernization of agriculture in northwest China. It is a vivid illustration of how the region is embracing new technologies and sustainable practices to ensure food security and promote rural revitalization.

By the end of April, the main body of spring sowing is expected to be completed, laying a solid foundation for a bumper harvest in the coming autumn.