China's Xinjiang has so far achieved the highest winter wheat unit yields nationally for 2024, recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs showed.
The ample yields of the staple crop help bolster the country's food security. Currently, the summer grain harvest in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has reached 70-percent completion.
Experts from the ministry measured winter wheat yields in Huocheng County of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, finding 11,937 kg and 11,343 kg per hectare in fields of 33 hectares and 80 hectares, respectively.
"This year, the unit yield in fields ranging from 100 to 1,000 mu (about 6 to 66 hectares) has exceeded last year's record. Additionally, we carried out our first harvest in fields ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 mu (about 66 to 666 hectares) and fields of more than 10,000 mu in this region, aiming to gain experience to enhance unit yields in the future," said Zhang Rui, a professor at the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University.
In Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, the yield of winter wheat per hectare reached 10,812 kg in a demonstration field exceeding 666 hectares, achieving the highest winter wheat unit yield nationally for fields of this size in 2024, according to the ministry.
Xinjiang achieves China's highest winter wheat unit yields for 2024
The 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference was held in north China's Tianjin Municipality from Wednesday to Friday, spotlighting advancements and international partnerships in vocational training.
With the theme "Innovation Empowers the Future, Skills Enlighten New Lives," the conference hosted over 1,200 domestic and foreign representatives, including more than 600 overseas guests from over 100 countries and regions.
A major highlight was the establishment of the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Alliance, aimed at providing the most comprehensive, balanced, representative and inclusive international platform for vocational education, according to the organizers of the conference.
China's contributions to global vocational education were showcased, including the expansion of Luban Workshops to over 30 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Named in honor of the ancient Chinese craftsman, engineer and inventor Lu Ban (507－444 B.C.), these workshops integrate academic education and skills training, offering 60 specialized programs in 14 disciplines.
According to official data, more than 200 vocational colleges in China have partnered with institutions across 70 countries and regions, established over 400 programs.
Li Fei, dean of the Railway Power Academy of the Tianjin Railway Vocational and Technical College, highlighted the success of the first Luban Workshop in Thailand.
"The Thailand Luban Workshop is the first of its kind established overseas by China, primarily focusing on the training of high-speed rail talents. Chinese and Thai educational institutions jointly formulated the teaching and curriculum standards for the workshop, aiming to provide a talent pool for the operation of the China-Thailand high-speed railway," Li said.
The conference also featured the World Vocational College Skills Competition, where top vocational talents competed, further strengthening international exchanges in technical education.
"China's experience in vocational and technical education plays a significant role globally and has already been promoted to many other countries," said Beisembayev Gani Bektaevich, Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The conference was jointly sponsored by China's Ministry of Education, the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, and the Tianjin municipal government.
Global collaboration in focus at 2024 Vocational Education Conference in Tianjin
Global collaboration in focus at 2024 Vocational Education Conference in Tianjin
