Between November 13 and 16, the 22nd China Greenhouse Industry Conference was held in Lanzhou New Area, Gansu Province. With the theme “New Approaches, New Breakthroughs,” the event provided a platform for knowledge exchange and technological innovation in greenhouse agriculture. As this strategic conference unfolded, it became clear that Lanzhou New Area is becoming a frontrunner in China’s push toward sustainable, high-tech agriculture.
Strategic Urban-Style Agriculture in Arid Regions
Lanzhou New Area, situated along the fertile belt at 36 degrees north latitude, is making the most of its climatic advantages, including abundant sunlight, large diurnal temperature variations, and distinct seasonal weather patterns. Experts like Professor Xu Hui from Shenyang Agricultural University have emphasized the region’s unique potential to produce high-quality, green agricultural products.
A shining example of this is the flourishing flower industry. The area is now home to the largest fresh-cut rose cultivation base in northwest China. These roses are not only distributed across domestic markets but are also exported to countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Russia. The connection between the once barren Loess Plateau and a thriving flower industry exemplifies the success of tailored urban-style agricultural practices.
This strategic approach has led to the establishment of modern agricultural parks, such as the 180,000-square-meter smart greenhouse and five additional facility-based agricultural zones. With over 2,200 greenhouses and nearly 550,000 square meters of glasshouses, the area produces nearly 100 million fresh-cut flowers and 5,000 tons of mushrooms annually. The results are clear: modern facility-based agriculture is providing both economic and environmental benefits.
Smart Agriculture for Sustainable Growth
During the conference, attendees witnessed firsthand the cutting-edge advancements in Lanzhou New Area’s agricultural operations. The technology in use includes Dutch aluminum alloy gutter systems that minimize material use and graphene-based electrode boilers for heating, which provide zero-emission warmth. Automated environmental controls regulate humidity, temperature, and CO2 levels, ensuring optimal growth conditions and efficient resource use.
The New Area’s Agricultural Investment Group reported that traditional open-field flower farming yields between 1,500 to 3,000 yuan per mu annually. In stark contrast, technologically advanced greenhouses produce an impressive 200,000 to 300,000 yuan per mu. This exponential increase in productivity stems from smart, year-round control over temperature and climate conditions inside greenhouses, regardless of external weather.
High-Tech Agricultural Factories and Beyond
Automation in plant factories has led to year-round production and high-quality yields of crops like fresh-cut flowers and edible mushrooms. The area has adopted “industrial thinking” in developing its agricultural base, combining full-system support with a holistic approach to scaling up operations. These innovations have transformed Lanzhou New Area from a large agricultural producer to a strong one, emphasizing both volume and quality.
The ongoing push for research and development in core technologies, combined with a focus on sustainability, has placed the region on a path toward greater agricultural resilience. New plant varieties, advanced irrigation systems, and climate-smart practices ensure that Lanzhou’s facility agriculture is efficient and profitable.
A Model for the Future of Agriculture
The story of Lanzhou New Area is a powerful example of how innovation and investment can transform even the most challenging landscapes into hubs of productivity and economic growth. The focus on smart agriculture is not just about improving yields but also about building a model of sustainable and industrialized agriculture. By harnessing both natural resources and technological advancements, Lanzhou New Area has set a benchmark for global agricultural development.
