Located in Hunan Province, Xintian County has become a prominent name in the agricultural sector, known for its selenium-enriched vegetables that are in high demand both domestically and internationally. In recent years, Xintian has positioned itself as a major supplier of vegetables to global markets, including Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The county’s vegetable exports reached an impressive 28.79 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2024, marking a 14.92% increase compared to the previous year. With its emphasis on quality and sustainable agricultural practices, Xintian has successfully become a leading exporter of high-quality vegetables in Hunan.
Harnessing Natural Resources for Quality Production
Xintian’s agricultural success can be attributed to its unique environmental factors and strategic investment in modern farming practices. The county’s water sources are rich in strontium, and the soil is selenium-enriched, which contributes to the distinctive taste and quality of its vegetables. For instance, vegetables like “cai xin” (a type of leafy green) produced in Xintian are known for their sweetness and crispness, making them highly sought after in both domestic and international markets. The use of these natural resources, coupled with advanced agricultural techniques, has made Xintian’s produce highly competitive.
One of the standout examples of Xintian’s agricultural innovation is the Dongsheng Farm, a high-standard selenium-enriched vegetable planting base established with the support of Dongsheng Agricultural Group from Guangdong. This farm, which covers 6,500 acres, has become one of the main suppliers of high-quality vegetables not only in Hunan but also in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The farm’s daily export volumes are substantial, reinforcing Xintian’s role as a key player in the global vegetable trade.
Modern Infrastructure and Smart Farming Technologies
Xintian County has invested heavily in infrastructure to support its growing agricultural sector. The county has implemented “smart greenhouses” and cutting-edge vegetable processing facilities, enhancing both production capacity and product quality. These high-tech greenhouses allow for fully mechanized and intelligent production, leading to an increase in annual vegetable yields by over 2,000 kilograms per acre compared to traditional open-field cultivation. Additionally, the use of these technologies has helped improve the overall quality of the vegetables and increase their market value by more than 40,000 yuan per acre.
In addition to physical infrastructure, Xintian has established a comprehensive quality control system that integrates county, township, and corporate-level monitoring, along with an information-based quality traceability system. This system ensures that all vegetables are grown, harvested, processed, and packaged to the highest standards, offering consumers greater confidence in the safety and quality of the produce.
Building a Strong Export Network
Xintian’s vegetable industry is also supported by a robust export infrastructure. The county has developed 20 provincial- and city-level vegetable industry parks, as well as 18 vegetable supply bases for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. These parks and bases serve as crucial links in the vegetable supply chain, ensuring a steady and efficient flow of produce to both domestic and international markets. By fostering these relationships, Xintian has become a key player in the global vegetable market, with an annual export value of 33.5 billion yuan in 2023.
As part of its commitment to sustainable growth, Xintian has cultivated several well-known vegetable brands and nationally recognized products, such as “Xintian Soybeans,” “Taoling Three-Flavor Chili,” and “Xintian Cai Xin.” These efforts have helped position the county as a key agricultural hub in China, contributing to both the national economy and the international trade of high-quality vegetables.
A Bright Future for Xintian’s Vegetable Industry
Xintian County’s remarkable growth in vegetable production and exports underscores its successful blend of traditional agricultural knowledge with modern farming techniques. The county’s focus on sustainable farming, quality control, and technological innovation has helped it rise to the forefront of China’s vegetable industry. With its increasing exports, Xintian is not only becoming a significant player in the global vegetable market but also setting a benchmark for other agricultural regions in China to follow.
The continued development of smart farming technologies, improved infrastructure, and expanded export channels will ensure that Xintian remains a leader in the global vegetable trade. As demand for high-quality, selenium-enriched produce grows worldwide, Xintian’s position as a key supplier will only strengthen.
