Peking University the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences Conducts Research Visit to Kashgar, Xinjiang

Release date：2026/06/30　　Source： CCAP

To implement the cooperation plan between tthe School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences  of Peking University and the Peking University Xinjiang Belt and Road Research Institute, deepen university–local collaboration, and support the high-quality development of Xinjiang's特色农业产业, a joint research delegation from the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences  and the Institute of Modern Agriculture of Peking University conducted a field study in Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, from June 21 to 25, 2026. The investigation focused on the development of the entire industrial chains of two signature agricultural products—melons (watermelon and muskmelon) and cumin.

The delegation was led by Professor Jikun Huang, Dean of the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences. Other members included Professor Hongmei Yi and Research Fellow Kaixing Huang from the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, as well as Research Fellow Xingping Zhang, Vice President of the Institute of Modern Agriculture, and Research Fellow Yun Deng. Officials from the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau of Kashgar Prefecture and Professor Zhenshan Li, Director of the Peking University Xinjiang Belt and Road Research Institute, accompanied the delegation throughout the visit.

During the survey, the delegation visited farmers, processing enterprises, wholesale markets, and experimental stations in Yuepuhu (Yopurga) County, Jiashi (Payzawat) County, Shufu County, and Shule County. The team conducted on-site investigations covering key stages of the industrial chains for cumin and melons, including production scale, variety selection, cultivation practices, mechanized harvesting, value-added processing, market circulation, and brand development.

In Yuepuhu County, the delegation visited the Cumin Science and Technology Institute Co., Ltd. and Xinjiang Yuanda Green Agriculture Development Co., Ltd., where they learned about improved cumin breeding, farmers' planting systems, mechanized harvesting, and deep-processing technologies.

In Jiashi County, the delegation visited the Xinjiang Fruit (Jiashi) Wholesale Market, observed production and trading activities, toured Jiashi Guoshu Eco-Agricultural Supply Chain Co., Ltd., and inspected a demonstration site for Jiashi melon cultivation in Village 3 of Wolituogelake Township.

In Shufu County, the delegation visited Kashgar Jiangnan Agricultural Products Wholesale Market Co., Ltd. and Kashgar Mufeng Winery Co., Ltd. In Shule County, the team inspected the Guopai Modern High-Efficiency Watermelon Demonstration Park and the Kashgar Comprehensive Experimental Station of the National Watermelon and Melon Industry Technology System.

On the morning of June 24, the delegation participated in a symposium organized by the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau of Kashgar Prefecture. Representatives from the Commerce Bureau, Investment Promotion Bureau, Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Science and Technology Bureau, agriculture authorities from counties across Kashgar, and the Peking University Xinjiang Belt and Road Research Institute attended the meeting.

During the discussion, Professor Jikun Huang noted that Kashgar possesses abundant sunshine and heat resources, providing exceptional natural conditions and a solid industrial foundation for the development of specialty melon and cumin industries. He emphasized that, through the platform of the Peking University Xinjiang Belt and Road Research Institute, the College of Modern Agriculture and the Institute of Modern Agriculture will leverage their strengths in scientific research, talent cultivation, and innovation platforms to deepen collaboration with Kashgar. The partnership will focus on industrial clustering strategies, development pathways, and key technologies for the melon and cumin industries, contributing to the high-quality development of agriculture in the region.