To advance the initiative for increasing large-area yield per unit of grain and oil crops, vigorously promote rapeseed mechanical harvesting loss reduction technology, and enhance agricultural mechanization technical services, on May 8th, the Provincial Agricultural Development Center, in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, hosted a provincial event in Jingzhou. This event was themed “Rapeseed Mechanical Harvesting Loss Reduction for Promoting Large-Area Yield Increases” and also featured the “Agricultural Science and Technology Supermarket Enters Jingzhou” agricultural machinery special session.

At the 1,000-mu oilseed rape demonstration base in Mishi Town, Jingzhou District, a fleet of over ten units of state-of-the-art agricultural machinery engaged in a live demonstration of staged harvesting operations. Amidst the expanse of golden oilseed rape fields, the machinery operated efficiently, creating a scene of vibrant activity. In contrast to conventional combined harvesting methods, this staged harvesting technique, characterized by a "cut first, then thresh" approach, demonstrably reduces the rate of loss during mechanized harvesting.

A critical element in maximizing yields, and ensuring that "the harvest in the field" translates into a "harvest in the barn," is the effective management of mechanized harvesting losses. To this end, the promotion of staged machine harvesting loss reduction technology not only lightens the labor burden on farmers but also facilitates the achievement of increased income through loss mitigation.

The "Agricultural Science and Technology Supermarket" platform, established at the event site, served as a valuable resource for farmers. Providing a comprehensive suite of technical services, the platform also integrated key resources such as agricultural machinery purchase subsidies, technical training programs, and up-to-date market information, in support of the overarching objective of achieving 2025 loss reduction targets. Furthermore, the event featured cutting-edge technologies and equipment, including drone aerial seeding, high-speed precision planting, and micro-ridge cultivation, which significantly broadened the perspectives of planters from across the province.

Sources indicate that the oilseed rape planting area within the province has consistently remained at approximately 18 million mu. Projections suggest that the adoption of mechanized two-stage harvesting techniques on just 50% of this acreage could result in an annual increase in oilseed rape yield ranging from 90,000 to 135,000 tons. Moving forward, Hubei province will continue to prioritize strengthening basic technology promotion initiatives and machinery research and development programs, providing robust support for the realization of its oilseed rape mechanized harvesting loss reduction goals.