It already feels like autumn across most of the Xinjiang Province cotton belt, as daily highs have continued to fall in the 28 to 31-degree Celsius range or 82 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Local growers see this early drop in temperatures as a sign that an early frost could be forthcoming. Ginners across the province are getting ready for full-scale seed cotton movement, which includes various discussions regarding seed cotton price levels.

The 41st Regiment, 3rd Division of the Production and Construction Corps (PCC) has announced a very interesting seed cotton payment scheme. Its base seed cotton price will be 6.2 yuan per kilogram, Basis Grade 3 for PCC growers. If the average spot seed cotton price is above 6.4 yuan per kilogram, the PCC will provide its growers with 70 percent of the upside price as a bonus. For now, non-PCC growers will receive a bonus of 90 percent of the price above 6.4.

The 6th Division of the PCC is making preparations for full-scale picking of the cotton crop, having spent an estimated 110 million yuan on upgrading its gins. The division will use both mechanical and hand picking and has employed 80,000 pickers for the harvest.

Bolls are rapidly opening across the province, with gins now receiving confirmation of procurement loans from the Agriculture Development Bank.