Gannan Sunflower Seeds

Gannan Sunflower Seeds

Gannan Sunflower Seeds are a protected geographical indication product.

Gannan Sunflower Seeds are an agricultural geographical indication product.

　　Gannan County has a long history of sunflower cultivation. Its sunflower seeds have been certified as Green Food by the National Green Food Development Center, boasting high yields, large kernels, bright color, and excellent taste. They are known to benefit brain health, nourish the liver, support kidney function, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol, making them highly sought after by domestic and international buyers. In 2000, Gannan County was named the "Hometown of Sunflowers in China," serving as a national-level green sunflower production base and a national water-saving irrigation demonstration county.

　　Located in the northwest of Heilongjiang Province at the southern foot of the Greater Khingan Mountains, Gannan County covers a total area of 4,792 square kilometers with 2.97 million mu of arable land, including 800,000 mu dedicated to annual sunflower cultivation. The area receives an average annual precipitation of 455 mm, enjoys abundant sunlight, and has soil with organic matter content exceeding 3.6%. The county administers 5 townships and 5 towns, with 95 administrative villages and a total population of 370,000, including over 248,000 agricultural residents and 140,000 rural laborers, providing ample workforce for planting and processing. In August 2000, Gannan County was designated the "Hometown of Sunflowers in China" by the China Specialties Association.

　　Sunflower cultivation is widespread in Gannan County, and its sunflower seeds are known for high yields, large kernels, bright color, and excellent taste. They also offer benefits such as improving brain health, nourishing the liver, supporting kidney function, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol. In particular, the "Gankui Series" of premium varieties, carefully cultivated by Heilongjiang Province’s only county-level sunflower research institute, are highly favored by local farmers. These "Gankui" large sunflower seeds are not only sold across China but also exported overseas.

　　Gannan fully leverages its brand as the "Hometown of Sunflowers in China" to vigorously promote the region and develop its sunflower industry. This has led to the establishment of a comprehensive sunflower industry chain integrating research, bases, farmers, and companies. The largest sunflower production and sales market in China has taken shape here, with an annual trading volume reaching 350 million jin. The sunflower seed industry has become a pillar sector of Gannan’s economy. In 2002, a 40,000-mu sunflower processing raw material base, primarily operated by Qiqihar Ganglian Company, was certified as Grade A Green Food by the National Green Food Development Center. In 2004, Gannan County was further recognized by the National Green Food Development Center as a "500,000-mu National Standardized Green Food Raw Material Sunflower Production Base."

　　Geographical Scope

　　Gannan Sunflower Seeds are primarily grown in Gannan Town, Zhongxing Township, Changshan Township, Yinhe Town, Xinglong Township, Baoshan Township, Pingyang Town, Dongyang Town, Jubao Town, and Chahayang Township of Gannan County, Qiqihar City. The protected geographical area spans 35,000 hectares, with 15,000 hectares dedicated to sunflower cultivation and an annual output of 120,000 tons. The region lies between 122°54′6″–124°28′12″ east longitude and 47°25′7″—48°32′5″ north latitude. It borders the Nenjiang and Nuo’min rivers, facing Inner Mongolia’s Morin Dawa Banner and Heilongjiang’s Fuyu and Nenjiang counties to the east, neighbors Qiqihar urban area and Longjiang County to the south, and is bordered by the Chengjisihan Border Trench to the northwest, adjacent to Inner Mongolia’s Arun Banner and Horqin Right Wing Front Banner. The county governs 5 townships and 5 towns, with 95 administrative villages, 611 natural villages, and a population of 370,000. Covering 4,792 square kilometers, it includes 2.78 million mu of arable land, 1.12 million mu of grassland, and 84,000 mu of developable water surface. The area features lush, pristine water and grasslands, fresh air, and clean water sources primarily from the Nenjiang River, which originates from the Greater Khingan Mountains, free from pollution and rich in both quality and quantity.