As autumn approaches, the vital planting season for fall and winter crops is in full swing in Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, where agricultural technicians and farmers are hard at work in the fields.

In Tai Ping Pu Village, situated in You Ting Huai Town, the villagers are busy with the rhythmic processes of plowing, furrowing, fertilizing, and sowing seeds. “We’re juggling the harvesting, land preparation, and seeding all at once to ensure a stable fall planting area. Right now, we’ve prepared over 3,000 acres and raised seedlings across more than 100 acres specifically for rapeseed,” said Tang Chunyang, head of the agricultural technology station in You Ting Huai Town.

Meanwhile, in Dang Di Township, local officials are actively planning a “rice-oil” crop rotation strategy while also developing the “rice + N” industry to promote a year-round agricultural model. The fall and winter planting season focuses heavily on cultivating rapeseed and vegetables, leading to more efficient land use and increased income for farmers.

“By identifying key growers and understanding their planting intentions, we can ensure that we complete the autumn harvest and get the land ready on time. This helps us keep our lands productive and our community engaged, maximizing the potential of idle land resources,” shared Deng Yanhong, head of the agricultural technology station in Dang Di Township. This year, the township aims to plant 16,000 acres of rapeseed, 6,000 acres of vegetables, and 800 acres of autumn grains, with clear assignments made for specific households and plots.

Fall and winter agricultural production is crucial within the annual agricultural cycle, playing a significant role in food security, boosting farmers’ incomes, and promoting rural revitalization.

Since the beginning of the year, the Zero Ling District has been focused on stabilizing area, improving yields, and maximizing benefits, while effectively supplying agricultural products. By emphasizing early and practical measures while maintaining a focus on quality, they are strategically advancing the cultivation of major autumn and winter crops like rapeseed, vegetables, green manure, and dry miscellaneous grains. The ultimate goal is to transform “idle fields” into economically productive land.

Statistics indicate that the planned area for fall and winter planting in Zero Ling is set at 445,600 acres, which includes 242,000 acres for rapeseed, 140,000 acres for vegetables, 50,600 acres for green manure, and 13,000 acres for autumn crops such as potatoes and pea pods.