International: A young farmer from northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Garni Emet, has gained recognition for helping cotton growers increase both yield and income through innovative planting techniques and the introduction of new cotton varieties.

After graduating from university, Emet chose to return to his hometown, where he has since cultivated approximately 70 hectares of cotton fields. He is also known for consistently prioritizing assistance to fellow farmers, never hesitating to support their needs.

Speaking to reporters, Emet said there are two peak periods in the farming year, with the first being the early spring planting season. “This year I cultivated about 70 hectares of cotton. I personally carried out seedling transplantation and also helped other farmers. The planting window is very short—only 25 days to complete everything,” he said. “Other farmers earn less than I do. If their spring planting is not done well, the entire year’s effort may be wasted. That is why I first helped others and then worked on my own fields. I do my best to ensure successful planting and high-quality cotton production.”

Emet’s farming approach is based on continuous learning and careful adjustment according to soil conditions, weather changes, and crop requirements. He described cotton cultivation—from spring sowing to autumn harvest—as an ongoing learning process. “Every field is different, whether sandy or clay soil. I adjust irrigation, fertilization, and other practices based on soil type, weather, and crop growth,” he explained.

While many farmers in Xinjiang remain cautious about change, Emet’s willingness to experiment with agricultural methods has made him a rare example in the region.

Khong Sian Hui, an expert from the Agricultural Science Research Institute of the Third Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, praised Emet’s bold adoption of new cotton varieties. “Most farmers are hesitant, but if they see their neighbors succeed, they are more likely to try it the following year. There are not many people like Emet who are so courageous,” he said.

One of Emet’s key innovations is drip irrigation, a water-saving technology that initially faced skepticism. According to Khong, some farmers were reluctant because the drip lines are buried underground and no water is visible on the surface, leading them to believe there was insufficient irrigation. Some even cut the drip lines to check for water flow. However, Emet persisted with trials and achieved significant results.

“Many farmers initially did not understand the idea,” Emet said. “Despite the risks, I decided to try it. In the end, it saved both money and water resources. Most importantly, the seedling emergence rate has improved significantly. In saline-alkali soils, it used to be only 70 to 80 percent. Now, with the ‘dry sowing and wet emergence’ technique, it has exceeded 90 percent.”

Source: Cai, Alim, Wang Haiman- China Media Group.