High-quality Xiangzhou Rice

High-quality Xiangzhou Rice

　　In 1994, Xiangzhou County included the development of high-quality grain production in its agricultural base projects, initiating the cultivation of premium rice to guide farmers toward high-yield, high-quality, and efficient agriculture. That year, 1,880 acres of early rice were planted with high-quality varieties, yielding a total of 8,600 kilograms. Over the following nine years, the planting area gradually expanded, and overall production also increased. By 2002, 22,942 acres were planted with high-quality rice, averaging 575 kilograms per acre, with a total yield reaching 1.32 million kilograms. The main varieties of early rice were Changsi Nian and Gui Nian No. 4 “713,” while late rice varieties included Shanyou Gui 99, Jinyou Gui 99, and Zhiyou Gui 99. These high-quality grains, when hulled into rice, are especially fragrant, soft, and slightly sticky when cooked—perfectly suited to people's tastes and known to significantly increase appetite. Xiangzhou high-quality rice is now exported both within and beyond the region.