Acheng Rice

Acheng Rice

Acheng Rice is a product certified with a Geographical Indication for Agricultural Products.

　　Ashihe Township in Acheng City, Heilongjiang Province, is located on the banks of the Ashi River, 23 kilometers southeast of Harbin, the provincial capital. The eastern mountainous area features undulating peaks, while the western plains are as flat as a whetstone. The city covers a total area of 2,900 square kilometers, comprising 8 townships, 11 towns, 4 subdistrict offices, and a total population of 660,000, including 220,000 in the urban area. In 1999, the gross domestic product reached 3.78 billion yuan, with total fiscal revenue of 362 million yuan. Acheng boasts abundant water resources and fertile soil, and is widely renowned for its high-quality rice production. In 1996, the Rural Development Research Department of the Development Research Center of the State Council and the Speciality Committee of the Chinese Association of Agricultural Science and Technology named it the “Hometown of Chinese Rice.” The main rice-producing Ashihe Township adopts pollution-free cultivation techniques. In 1999, it was designated by Harbin City as a “Pollution-Free Agricultural Product Base.” The premium no-wash rice, a specialty product, is a green food made from high-quality rice varieties using pollution-free cultivation techniques and undergoes refined processing. It is characterized by plump grains, glossy appearance, delicious taste, rich nutrition, cleanliness, and no need for washing. The registered “Ashihe Brand” premium no-wash rice is sold to cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, has begun to establish brand recognition, and holds great development potential with broad market prospects.

　　Geographical Scope

　　The Acheng Rice production area is located in the central part of Acheng District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, situated on the Songnen Plain and the upper reaches of the Songhua River. It lies within the North Mid-Temperate Zone, along the valleys and plains of the Ashi River and its tributaries, as well as the low-lying marshlands on the southern bank of the Songhua River. The region enjoys a mild climate, ample sunlight, and plentiful rainfall, with fertile soil suitable for rice cultivation. The protected geographical area for Acheng Rice includes 12 villages across five townships in Acheng District: Chengjian Village in Ashihe; Dongguang Village, Shuanglan Village, Aimin Village, and Tuan Shu Village in Shuangfeng Town; Hongxin Village, Liansheng Village, Xihua Village, and Xinjian Village in Liaodian Manchu Ethnic Township; Haidong Village and Haixing Village in Hongxing Township; and Xinguang Village in Yagou Town. The rice planting area spans 8,000 hectares, with an annual output of approximately 48,000 tons of rice.

　　Natural Ecological Environment and Humanistic Historical Factors

　　(1) Soil and Topography: The production area for Acheng Rice features flat terrain, located away from the city center with no industrial “three wastes” pollution. The land is clean and fields are tidy, with fertile black clay and sandy loam soils. The low-lying areas have soil organic matter content ranging from 3% to 6%, indicating naturally high fertility, making it especially suitable for rice growth.

　　(2) Hydrology: The paddy fields in this base are irrigated by water systems from the Hongxing Reservoir or Xiquanyan Reservoir within Acheng District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province. Located upstream of the irrigation zone, the area is free from any upstream pollution and relies entirely on surface water irrigation from the Songhua River downstream. The region enjoys a mild climate, sufficient sunlight, ample rainfall, and a sound ecological environment with a forest coverage rate of 31%. Rainfall coincides with high temperatures, and the frost-free period lasts about 136 days. Precipitation is evenly distributed, with an annual rainfall of around 600 millimeters.

　　(3) Climate: This region is located on the eastern side of the mid-latitude Eurasian continent and the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, belonging to the cold

　　temperate humid monsoon climate zone. The climate is distinct, with long, cold, and dry winters often affected by cold air masses from Siberia, Lake Baikal, and the Mongolian Plateau. Summers are short, warm, and humid. Influenced by warm and moist oceanic air currents, spring is often windy with little rain, while autumn and summer experience frequent heavy rains and prolonged rainy spells. Spring and autumn see drastic temperature fluctuations, and the four seasons are clearly defined.

　　In winter, under the control of polar continental air masses, northwest winds prevail, bringing harsh, cold, and dry conditions. In summer, influenced by the subtropical Pacific air mass, southeast winds dominate, resulting in high temperatures and abundant rainfall. The region exhibits distinct continental monsoon climate characteristics and is classified as semi-humid.

　　The average annual temperature in the region is 3.3°C. The mean January temperature is -18.8°C, and the mean July temperature is 23°C. The accumulated active temperature above 10°C averages 2,800°C.

　　The region has an average annual rainfall of 542 millimeters. The frost-free period is short, with the first frost occurring on September 25 and the last on May 3, totaling about 156 days. The total annual sunshine duration is 2,700 hours.

　　Although the climate is suitable for the growth of single-crop annual plants, it is often subject to disastrous weather conditions such as prolonged rainy spells, extended droughts, and early frosts, which can cause varying degrees of harm and losses to crop growth and people’s production and daily life. Natural disasters mainly include drought, floods, wind, low temperatures, hail, and frost. These involve special climatic factors such as monsoons, temperature, humidity, sunlight, and precipitation.

　　(4) Humanistic History: Acheng Rice has been produced since 1197, boasting a history of over 800 years. In March 1996, it was awarded the title “Hometown of Chinese Rice.” It is a specialty of the “Shangjing Tribute Rice” base. Ample sunlight and strong photosynthesis contribute to superior crop quality, and Acheng Rice produced in Acheng District has its own unique characteristics.

　　Acheng Rice is located within Heilongjiang Province’s first accumulated temperature zone, which is highly suitable for rice growth. The region’s unique geographical climate and appropriate rainfall create the distinctive qualities of Acheng Rice. Since 1997, farmers in Acheng District have spontaneously established more than 30 specialized rice associations, including the Ashihe Rice Association. These cooperative economic organizations have played roles in improving rice varieties, enhancing planting techniques, and strengthening market competitiveness. In August 2007, local rice farmers established the first district-level farmer professional cooperative in the province—the Harbin Acheng District Jinjing Rice Professional Cooperative. The base has a history of over 40 years in rice cultivation. From 1969 to 1990, 10 Korean ethnic villages spontaneously formed the “Korean Rice Planting Association,” pioneering a Korean rice planting base. In 1993, the base adopted techniques such as dry seedling cultivation with sparse planting and ultra-sparse planting, applied pesticides and fertilizers judiciously, and produced according to the National Pollution-Free Agricultural Product Production Standards, pioneering a new path of producing pollution-free rice through the use of non-polluting fertilizers and improving agricultural production conditions. In 1995, the association admitted Han Chinese major growers and was renamed the “Chengjian Village Rice Planting Association.” In 1999, it produced pollution-free, high-quality “no-wash” rice. In 2001, the rice produced was certified as Grade A green food rice by the Harbin Municipal Agriculture Bureau and Environmental Protection Bureau. In 2002, the “Ashihe” brand rice trademark was applied for, and the area was honored as the “Hometown of Chinese Rice.” In 2007, the Paddy Field Agricultural Machinery Cooperative and the Harbin Acheng Jinjing Rice Professional Cooperative were established, achieving a yield of 600–650 kilograms per hectare, with product quality reaching a certain standard. The Harbin Acheng Jinjing Rice Professional Cooperative applied for and obtained certification for pollution-free rice.

　　Production Technical Requirements

　　(1) Origin Selection and Special Content Provisions: Acheng Rice is produced in the central part of Acheng District, located on the Songnen Plain and the upper reaches of the Songhua River, along the valleys and plains of the Ashi River and its tributaries, as well as the low-lying marshlands on the southern bank of the Songhua River. The region enjoys a mild climate, ample sunlight, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil suitable for rice cultivation. The protected geographical area for Acheng Rice includes 12 villages across five townships in Acheng District: Chengjian Village in Ashihe; Dongguang Village, Shuanglan Village, Aimin Village, and Tuan Shu Village in Shuangfeng Town; Hongxin Village, Liansheng Village, Xihua Village, and Xinjian Village in Liaodian Manchu Ethnic Township; Haidong Village and Haixing Village in Hongxing Township; and Xinguang Village in Yagou Town. The total cultivated area within the entire protected zone is 25,096.7 hectares. The professional cooperatives cultivate pollution-free rice on 8,000 hectares, with an annual output of approximately 48,000 tons, involving 1,108 members, and all products meet the pollution-free agricultural product standards.

　　(2) Variety Selection and Specific Requirements: Based on the ecological conditions of the region and the requirements for pollution-free rice varieties, high-quality, high-yield, disease-resistant, stress-resistant, strong tillering, and appropriately maturing varieties are selected, with a rational combination of early, medium, and late-maturing types. In the first accumulated temperature zone, varieties such as Wuyoudao No. 1 and Songjing No. 6 are chosen; in the second zone, Kenjing No. 10 and Songjing No. 10; and in the third zone, Suijing No. 4 and Longjing No. 14.

　　(3) Production Process Management, Including Special Provisions for Agricultural Inputs: The production of Acheng Rice strictly follows the six management systems for pollution-free agricultural products in Acheng District: the pollution-free agricultural product input management system, the pollution-free agricultural product quality traceability system, the pollution-free agricultural product technical service system

　　management system, the pollution-free agricultural product production training system, the pollution-free agricultural product archive management system, and the pollution-free agricultural product “Ten-Household Joint Guarantee” system.

　　Four regulatory measures are implemented for agricultural inputs: First, market regulation. Efforts to strengthen oversight of inputs are intensified to control sources. Input management adheres to a business license system, with regular publication of restricted-use inputs (via TV announcements and information releases listing banned and restricted inputs). The Green Office and the Agricultural Law Enforcement Brigade collaborate to post lists of banned and restricted inputs in the premises of agricultural supply businesses, ensuring producers use them with clarity. Second, law enforcement regulation. The Agricultural Law Enforcement Brigade conducts comprehensive inspections and supervision of the agricultural input market, leading enterprises, and base farmers. Third, technical regulation. Technical departments provide training to producers and offer specific guidance and services for production inputs. Fourth, network regulation. The Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Office establishes electronic archives for the production process, bases, enterprises, agricultural input businesses, and input lists, implementing digital management.

　　Seed sources are strictly controlled; seed production units must possess a seed production license; operating units must have a business license, seed operation license, and seed quality certificate; seeds imported from abroad or other provinces/cities must have quarantine certificates. Dedicated seed warehouses and custodians are required. Custodians must verify the quantity, variety, and relevant documents before seeds are stored. Seeds must have detailed records of storage and retrieval, and expired seeds should be cleared promptly.

　　Pesticide use strictly complies with the national “Guidelines for the Rational Use of Pesticides” and “Standards for the Safe Use of Pesticides.” Highly toxic, acutely toxic, high-residue pesticides, and those explicitly banned by the state are not used in production. Dedicated pesticide warehouses and custodians are required. Custodians must verify the quantity, variety, and “three certificates” before pesticides are stored. Chemical pesticide use is minimized, and biological pesticides are actively promoted. Pesticide application is guided based on pest and disease occurrence or technical department bulletins, ensuring proper timing, targeted treatment, and alternating pesticide use to enhance efficacy. The safety interval for pesticide use is strictly observed, and usage is safe and rational. Field records of pesticide use are maintained promptly.

　　Fertilizer use follows strict guidelines for rational application. Fertilization is balanced according to plant growth needs, utilizing pollution-free fertilizers that have undergone harmless treatment and are combined with appropriately proportioned inorganic compound fertilizers. Fertilization principles: prioritize pollution-free fertilizers supplemented by others; focus on multi-element compound fertilizers with single-element fertilizers as secondary; emphasize base fertilizers over top-dressing; and limit chemical fertilizer use as much as possible. The final application of chemical fertilizer should occur at least 30 days before harvest. Field records of fertilizer use are maintained promptly, and fertilizers are stored separately by type in dry, cool

　　warehouses or similar locations to prevent nutrient loss and environmental pollution due to environmental factors. External fertilizers must be

　　Strictly adhere to the standards for the rational use of fertilizers; apply fertilizers in a balanced manner according to the growth needs of plants, using non-hazardous, environmentally friendly fertilizers that have undergone harmless treatment, combined with appropriately proportioned inorganic compound fertilizers. Fertilization principles: prioritize non-hazardous fertilizers, supplemented by other types of fertilizers; give preference to multi-element compound fertilizers over single-element fertilizers; emphasize base fertilizers over top-dressing fertilizers; minimize the use of chemical fertilizers as much as possible; the last application of chemical fertilizer should be done at least 30 days before harvest; maintain timely field records of fertilizer usage; store fertilizers separately according to type in dry, cool

　　storage areas and other facilities; avoid nutrient loss and environmental pollution caused by environmental factors; externally sourced fertilizers must be

　　Products that have all three certificates (product registration certificate, production license, and quality standard inspection certificate).

　　(4) Production record requirements: Appoint a dedicated recorder to be responsible for documenting agricultural operation records; pesticide usage records

　　should be complete and authentic, and must separately document the names of pesticides used for each crop, including both the generic name and trade name, registration certificate number, formulation, target pests, time, application rate, number of applications, and safety interval. Fertilizer usage records should also be complete and authentic, including the fertilizer name, registration certificate number, type, application rate, application method, and number of applications. Timely and accurate records must be kept for all types of agricultural operations, yield records, and product sales records. Records must be properly preserved for one year to facilitate traceability inspections.

　　Typical quality characteristics of the product and product quality and safety regulations

　　(1) External sensory characteristics: Acheng rice grains are long, plump, and full-bodied, with a thousand-grain weight of 50 grams.

　　(2) Internal quality indicators: The rice is translucent, has a rich and fragrant taste when cooked, is highly nutritious, and beneficial to health, making it an ideal choice for gifts to family and friends.

　　(3) Safety requirements: During production and processing, Acheng rice strictly adheres to national mandatory standards including NY5116-2002 Environmental Requirements for the Origin of Pollution-Free Rice, NY5115-2002 Pollution-Free Rice, GB/T8321 Standards for the Rational Use of Pesticides, and GB4285 Standards for the Safe Use of Pesticides.

　　Packaging, labeling, and related regulations

　　(1) Grading: Acheng rice is divided into three grades: first-grade rice, second-grade rice, and third-grade rice.

　　(2) Packaging: Woven bag packaging with a specification of 25 kg per bag; paper bag packaging with 1 kg per bag and 4 bags per box. Packaging materials must meet national food packaging hygiene requirements and environmental protection standards. The materials should be sturdy, clean, dry, free from any insect infestation, fungal contamination, or unpleasant odors.

　　(3) Labeling: Users of the mark shall uniformly use the geographical indication for agricultural products (a combined labeling format of the Acheng rice name and the public identification logo) on their products or packaging.

　　(4) Storage: Store in a place protected from light, at room temperature, dry, and with moisture-proof facilities. Raw materials should be stored in designated storage yards or warehouses in sufficient quantities and managed according to regulations. Storage warehouses should be clean, dry, well-ventilated, and free from pests and rodents. It is strictly prohibited to store finished products together with toxic, harmful, corrosive, mold-prone, damp, or odorous items. Finished product storage must be categorized by variety, grade, code, and production date, and must not be mixed or exposed to moisture.

　　(5) Transportation: Transport vehicles should be clean, dry, and equipped with rainproof facilities. It is strictly prohibited to transport finished products together with toxic, harmful, corrosive, or odorous items.