Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which food grains and cash crops are important in Xinjiang agriculture?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Pagoda near Tian Lake — Xinjiang Pagoda close to Tian Lake, Ürümqi, Uyghur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang, China.

Agriculture in Xinjiang is heavily dependent on irrigation due to the region's arid climate. The area is self-sufficient in food grains, with production distributed across several key crops.1

Food Grains

Wheat: Winter and spring wheat account for approximately half of the total crop area.1
Corn (Maize): This is a significant crop, particularly in the southern parts of the region.1
Other Grains: Rice, kaoliang (a variety of grain sorghum), and millet are also produced in large quantities.1

Cash Crops

Cotton: Long-staple cotton is a vital cash crop, notably grown in the Turfan Depression and the greater Tarim Basin.1
Fruits: Xinjiang is a major fruit-producing region, famous for Hami melons, seedless Turpan grapes, Korla pears, and Ili apples.1
Sugar Beets: These support a significant sugar-refining industry in northwestern China.1
Other Products: Hops and silkworm cocoons are produced on a large scale for both national and export markets.1