Story perspectives

Xinjiang's Desert Farming Project Reduces Erosion, Boosts Crop Yields

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The project, launched two years ago, has grown to over 8,200 mu (547 hectares) in the Taklamakan Desert, advancing desertification control.
Seedling survival exceeds 90%, and pivot sprinkler systems have reduced labor needs.
Initial crop failures occurred due to sandstorms, but pivot irrigation maintains soil moisture and supports growth.
Xinjiang continues to convert desert land into farmland, yielding wheat and other crops and cutting wind-eroded soil by 40% since 2000.

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Story summary

The project, launched two years ago, has grown to over 8,200 mu (547 hectares) in the Taklamakan Desert, advancing desertification control.
Seedling survival exceeds 90%, and pivot sprinkler systems have reduced labor needs.
Initial crop failures occurred due to sandstorms, but pivot irrigation maintains soil moisture and supports growth.
Xinjiang continues to convert desert land into farmland, yielding wheat and other crops and cutting wind-eroded soil by 40% since 2000.