In the heart of Zhangjiachuan County, a national project to revitalize rural areas through technology is transforming the local potato industry. Since its formation in February 2022, the Zhangjiachuan Potato Industry Group, led by Dr. Lü Tai, has spearheaded significant improvements in potato farming, addressing key challenges such as low-quality varieties, insufficient research investment, and slow industry development. Through a combination of field research, demonstration bases, and hands-on technical training, the team has empowered local farmers to increase both potato quality and yield.
At the forefront of this initiative is the collaboration between the Gansu Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhangjiachuan County’s agricultural enterprises, and Gansu Agricultural University. Their efforts, funded under the National Key Research and Development Plan, are focused on the “Integration and Demonstration of Key Technologies for Improving Potato Quality and Efficiency” in Zhangjiachuan. The project has successfully introduced high-quality, disease-resistant potato varieties, as well as efficient planting techniques and potato seed breeding practices. These innovations are being applied at demonstration sites, allowing local farmers to see the benefits firsthand.
One of the primary strategies for success has been the “Technology Brigade + Departments + Leading Enterprises + Demonstration Bases + Farmers” model. This approach has led to the creation of 7 demonstration bases covering 1,120 acres, where farmers can learn new techniques, including the use of high-yield varieties and disease-resistant potatoes. The project also introduced an innovative by-product, “potato pulp fermented ruminant feed,” which has created new avenues for agricultural value-added products.
Since its inception, the initiative has made significant strides in improving local potato farming. By 2023, over 383 new agricultural entities and 16,000 farmers had participated in planting more than 80,000 acres of primary seed potatoes and 4,800 acres of original seed potatoes. The total yield of primary seed potatoes reached 150,000 tons, contributing to the establishment of a potato starch processing plant with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons. Additionally, the development of large-scale storage facilities has significantly increased the county’s potato storage capacity.
Through the program, over 2,080 agricultural technicians have been trained, and more than 1,100 households in poverty-stricken areas have seen increased incomes, with each household earning an average of 2,050 yuan. The technological advancements in potato farming have resulted in a substantial increase in yield and product value, boosting local farmers’ income and stabilizing production.
The success of Zhangjiachuan’s potato industry revitalization demonstrates the profound impact that technology and innovation can have on rural agriculture. With improved varieties, modern farming techniques, and strong collaboration between local enterprises and farmers, Zhangjiachuan’s potato industry has evolved from a means of poverty alleviation to a thriving economic force. As the project expands, the region’s potato farmers are poised to experience sustainable growth, contributing to the overall revitalization of rural China.
