Chongqing — Southwest China's Sichuan province and Chongqing municipality are stepping up agricultural cooperation, building on a combined agricultural economy that ranks among the country's largest as the two regions seek to boost innovation, expand markets and strengthen food security.

Their agricultural strength rests on different foundations. Sichuan’s Chengdu Plain, supported by the historic Dujiangyan irrigation system, is a major producer of rice, wheat, rapeseed and pigs. Chongqing’s hills and mountains support citrus, vegetable and livestock production, alongside established food-processing industries such as Fuling’s preserved mustard industry. Together, these provide a broad agricultural base spanning staple foods and specialty products.

The added value of their primary industries reached 787.55 billion yuan (about 118 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025, accounting for 25.1% of western China's total, according to figures released at an agricultural cooperation and technology innovation event in Chongqing's Yongchuan district on October 19.

By the end of 2025, combined grain production in Sichuan and Chongqing had reached 95.5 billion jin (about 47.75 million metric tons), accounting for 23.9% of western China's total and about 6.8% of national output. Chongqing recorded its highest grain harvest in nearly 20 years, while Sichuan's output exceeded 73 billion jin for the first time. 

The figures underscore the growing importance of agricultural cooperation within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, a regional development initiative aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two major population and industrial centers.

Technology has emerged as a key focus. Chongqing has established 14 partnerships between companies and research institutions to advance commercial seed breeding, and the China National Rice Research Institute opened a new southwest research center in the city in August. Sichuan, meanwhile, has supported the development of five leading agricultural technology companies, 40 high-growth firms and 400 emerging businesses.

The two regions are also working to bring more agricultural products to international markets. In June, companies from Sichuan and Chongqing showcased local specialties at an international agricultural exhibition in Myanmar, highlighting efforts to strengthen their brands and reach overseas buyers.

Cooperation has extended to agricultural regulation and environmental protection, including joint efforts to combat counterfeit agricultural supplies, curb illegal fishing along shared waterways, and control invasive species.

Looking ahead, Sichuan and Chongqing are drafting a joint agricultural development plan for 2026-2030, expected to be released by the end of this year. The plan will focus on expanding cooperation parks, accelerating major agricultural projects, and strengthening the region's agricultural competitiveness.