Bumper cotton harvest expected in Xinjiang

With mechanical planting, farmers dismiss claims of 'forced labor'

The planting season for growing cotton in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, China's primary cotton-producing hub, is expected to conclude this week.

Farmers say they are undeterred by Western sanctions imposed over alleged "forced labor" practices, insisting that Xinjiang's high-quality cotton is irreplaceable in the global market and remains a reliable source of income.

Xinjiang's cotton-growing area is projected to slightly increase from the 2.45 million hectares recorded last year, according to the regional government, reflecting the strong commitment of local farmers to the crop.