Southern Xinjiang, a region of impressive contrasts ranging from vast deserts to fertile oases and cultural treasures, is increasingly developing into an important center for sugar beet cultivation in China. Despite difficult environmental conditions such as saline soils, water shortages and heavy weed growth, sugar beet cultivation is playing an increasingly important role in the agriculture of this region.
Challenges and innovations in sugar beet cultivation
Sugar beet cultivation in Southern Xinjiang requires innovative approaches: Irrigation pipes and soil films are used to ensure the germination of the plants. With a current cultivation area of around 17,300 hectares and a processing capacity of 6,000 tons per day per factory, the region has developed into a strategic location for the production of sugar. In particular, the Aodu Group, which operates two sugar factories in Jiashi and Baicheng, is fueling this development.
ROPA machines in operation
34 ROPA machines for maximum efficiency
To meet the growing demands, the Aodu Group relies on the efficiency of ROPA machines. At present, 34 ROPA machines are in operation in Southern Xinjiang, including the latest Panther 2S and Maus 6 models, which were purchased in 2023/2024. These modern machines optimize the entire harvesting process and efficiently master the challenges faced on site.
ROPA technology has established itself as an essential partner in this region. The advanced technology contributes to a sustainable increase in productivity and the further development of agricultural activities in Southern Xinjiang.
Sugar beet harvesting with ROPA machines in South Xinjiang, China
Drivers Zhang Qing and Lan Chuan report on their experience with the ROPA Panther 2S and the Maus 6, and Wang Shengzhong from the raw materials department of the Aodu sugar factory talks about the improved quality of the delivered crop.
Prospects
The successful implementation of the ROPA machines shows how technological innovation can promote sustainable agricultural production even under difficult conditions. Southern Xinjiang is an impressive example of how the use of the most advanced harvesting technology and cooperation between companies such as the Aodu Group and the ROPA can set new standards in agriculture.
With the support of ROPA machines, the sugar industry in Southern Xinjiang faces a promising future characterized by efficiency, innovation and growth.
Successful trainings for ROPA machine drivers in China 2024
In 2024, totally, 23 new and used ROPA sugar beet harvesters and loaders were delivered from Europe to China. To ensure that these machines can operate to their full potential, ROPA GmbH, together with local support bases, organized two targeted driver trainings in China - one for new and one for advanced ROPA drivers.
The trainings were conducted shortly before the season start and were customized to the participants' needs. While the beginners were given an introduction to the operation and practical driving exercises, the experienced drivers focused on advanced topics. Ole Thielmann, an experienced ROPA trainer, provided detailed instructions on machine settings for different harvesting conditions, in particular on the correct adjustment of the depth guide.
The results of the trainings clearly demonstrate that both the harvesting performance and the operating quality of the drivers, who participated in the trainings, improved significantly. Such targeted trainings emphasize the importance of expertise and precision when operating ROPA machines and contribute significantly to successful harvesting.