Xinhua News Agency: Jiangsu Cotton Planted to 350 Million Mu This Year

The traditional cotton-producing province of Jiangsu has seen a steady decline in both the area dedicated to cotton cultivation and its overall output over the years. According to the Jiangsu Provincial Agriculture Commission, the province's cotton planting area was 6 million mu in 2005, but it dropped to 4 million mu in the previous year and further fell to 3.5 million mu this year—marking the lowest level in six years. This significant reduction highlights a growing shift away from cotton farming in the region. Farmers have been facing numerous challenges that have made cotton cultivation less attractive. High input costs, low market prices for cotton, and an imbalance between the prices of grain and cotton have led to widespread financial losses. As a result, many farmers are choosing to abandon cotton in favor of other crops that offer better returns. For instance, in Dafeng, a key cotton-producing area, the cotton planting area this year has decreased substantially compared to last year, with only 400,000 mu currently under cultivation. This trend reflects a broader concern among local farmers about the sustainability of cotton farming in the region. With economic pressures mounting, the future of cotton production in Jiangsu remains uncertain.