Jishui Rice

Jishui Rice

　　Jishui has long been known as the “Granary of Central Jiangxi.”

The region’s mid-subtropical humid climate and fertile farmland suitable for rice cultivation make grain production one of its key strengths. As early as the Tang and Song dynasties, Jishui was a major rice-producing area in the Gan River basin and served as a supplier of “tribute grain” to feudal dynasties. After the household responsibility system with remuneration linked to output was widely implemented in rural areas in 1978, farmers’ enthusiasm for production quickly surged. In 1979, Jishui’s annual grain output exceeded 200 million kilograms for the first time. In 1986, Jishui was listed as a national commodity grain production base county. In 1988, the state awarded Jishui County the title of “Advanced County in Grain Production and Sales,” an honor given to only 100 counties nationwide and just 5 in the entire province.

On October 14, 1990, Chinese Premier Li Peng made a special visit to the Motan Grain Depot in Jishui. In 1997, Jishui’s total grain output reached 580 million jin.

In recent years, with consecutive bumper harvests and a steady increase in output, Jishui’s grain production has shifted from a sole focus on quantity to an emphasis on variety and quality, moving toward premium-grade development. Especially after the reform of the grain distribution system, farmers in Jishui have developed stronger market-oriented and commercial awareness. While ensuring growth in grain output, they have introduced over 20 high-quality varieties such as Shuangzhu Sticky, Yuxue Sticky, SiMiao, Fragrant Rice, and 903, boldly adjusting the varietal structure to develop high-quality production. By 1997, over 60% of Jishui’s total rice output consisted of premium-grade rice. Meanwhile, with the establishment of a market economy, after fulfilling the national grain procurement quotas, farmers actively participated in grain processing and distribution. Since the second half of 1992, nearly 200 grain processing mills of various sizes have been built in Jishui, including more than 50 in Badu alone. Thanks to its strategic location at the junction of Xiajiang, Yongfeng, and Jishui counties, with both a national highway and the Beijing-Kowloon Railway passing through, Badu enjoys convenient transportation and handles over 150 million kilograms of grain circulation annually. It has grown into the largest grain distribution hub in southern China, and Badu Rice has also become a well-known brand.

Jishui’s grain is not only abundant in yield but also superior in quality. The rice produced here features plump grains, appealing color and texture, and rich nutrition. Coupled with advanced processing equipment, the resulting rice is of high quality and has gradually become a sought-after product in the market. It is especially popular in Guangdong, Fujian, and the Hong Kong and Macao regions. In previous years, a significant portion of the rice supplied to Hong Kong was Shuangzhu Sticky Rice from Jishui. In cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai, many grain merchants even promote their products with the label “Premium Jishui Rice” to attract customers, which speaks volumes about the high reputation of Jishui Rice.