#China #Xinjiang #Ürümqi #Specialty Crops #Zhang Xiying

Empowering Farmers: Zhang Xiying's Impact in Xinjiang

In the picturesque region of Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a remarkable transformation is taking place in local agriculture, led by the devoted farmer and agricultural technician, Zhang Xiying. Over the years, Zhang has dedicated her life to helping neighboring farming families enhance their skills and diversify their crop choices. To date, she has supported 19 local households in transitioning to specialty crops, including beautiful flowers, sweet figs, and luscious strawberries.

Zhang offers invaluable technical guidance without charge, enabling farmers to improve their cultivation techniques and secure viable markets for their produce. Her passion for agriculture is evident in her work, as she strives to make blueberry cultivation a reality by ensuring that costs are manageable for locals, thus broadening their income-generating possibilities.

In her greenhouses located in Dongwan village, the day’s work begins with a temperature check and an inspection of the seedlings, crucial steps that guide her approach to the crops. For Zhang, monitoring the growth of the plants, specifically the development of their leaves, is essential. She explains to the farmers around her that strawberry plants produce new leaves about every week, and observing these leaves can provide insights into the seedlings’ health. Zhang emphasizes the need for nurturing strong seedlings with robust root systems before they begin to flower and produce fruit.

Zhang’s commitment to education extends beyond her own greenhouse; she invites farmers to witness her techniques firsthand. “Come and have a look. Learn. The technical guidance is free,” she encourages them. In her greenhouses, farmers gather to watch her as she explains fundamental practices, such as preparing soil for different crops, including the delicate lilies and the resilient strawberries. Her instruction also includes crucial methods for identifying pests and taking preventive measures, emphasizing biological pest control as a practical approach.

Creating a sustainable market for these local products is a key component of Zhang's assistance. Acknowledging that the primary challenge for farmers often lies in selling their crops, she has developed connections with wholesalers in the flower market after guiding households to grow cut flowers. This relationship has enabled the farmers to maintain consistent sales channels, ensuring their flowers are well distributed.

For fruit, Zhang has innovated by combining pick-your-own sales with community bulk buying and wholesale options. This dual approach not only empowers consumers to select their fruit but also allows farmers to earn significantly more from direct sales compared to wholesale pricing. Seasonal fluctuations in demand are carefully monitored; for instance, during the lead-up to the Spring Festival, visitors tend to favor strawberries, while later sales will often require a blend of both strategies.

The local winter tourism business, bolstered by nearby ski resorts, has also provided unexpected opportunities. Zhang recalls when she received international tourists who were so enamored by the strawberries that they wished to purchase boxes to take home. This experience highlights the evolving demands of the market.

Zhang's journey into the realm of greenhouse cultivation began with an apprenticeship at a flower company, ignited by her fascination with how a young female boss managed a thriving business. After completing vocational high school, Zhang eagerly joined this company to immerse herself in the intricacies of flower cultivation. Although she acquired valuable skills, she sensed there was much more to learn. Thus, she pursued further training on the specifics of flower and fruit growth cycles, pest management, and soil and water requirements, ultimately paving the way for her to offer technical guidance to various agricultural enterprises.

Now, with nearly three decades of farming experience, including 20 years dedicated to providing technical support and ten years of running her own business, Zhang feels a strong sense of pride returning to her roots. During her pioneering trials in her greenhouses, she introduced various new plant varieties, including Dutch-imported lilies, inviting neighbors to explore these crops and learn before they embarked on their cultivation journeys. The demonstrations thus serve as collaborative sessions where farmers can compare different techniques and crops.

Currently, Zhang is focusing her experimental efforts on blueberry cultivation. The local surge in strawberry farming has inspired her quest for alternative crops that could further benefit farmers by providing additional revenue streams. She is meticulously testing both potted and in-ground blueberry cultivation options, determined to reduce obstacles before promoting them more widely among her community.

Water quality plays a significant role in these trials. As Zhang carefully monitors the irrigation water's pH and electrical conductivity, she adjusts it accordingly to ensure that it meets the diverse needs of the crops as they progress through their growth and fruiting stages. The intricacies of agricultural science are not lost on her—testing and adjustments are critical during the cultivation process.

In her commitment to teaching beyond her immediate community, Zhang has also been invited to conduct workshops in diverse regions, such as Ili. Here, she prepared comprehensive teaching materials based on her extensive experiences, spending a week delivering impactful talks to farmers across three counties. The eagerness of these growers to enhance their skills deeply resonated with her, marking a pivotal realization in her agricultural journey: the knowledge she initially sought to elevate her own farming career could also empower others.

Reflecting on her journey, Zhang expresses a profound sense of pride in her role as a farmer and educator. “As a farmer, I felt truly proud,” she shares, understanding that fostering agricultural knowledge can bridge gaps and uplift an entire community, promoting both economic stability and innovation in the face of changing agricultural landscapes.