Henan’s Contract Potato Harvest Booms – Specialty Farming Paves the Way for Rural Prosperity
In Zhouying Town, Shenqiu County, Henan Province, the 80-mu (about 5.3 hectares) contract potato fields at the Ouying Village Ecological Agriculture Park have ushered in a bumper harvest. This year’s crop, the “Wotu No. 5” variety, is cultivated using green practices: high-ridge planting, specialized organic fertilizers, and physical pest control—no pesticides are applied throughout the growing cycle. The result is potatoes with uniform size, pleasing appearance, and a soft, glutinous texture, which have earned a strong reputation in the market. To eliminate sales worries, local authorities have built stable, long-term purchase agreements with merchants from Shandong Province, ensuring all produce is bought at fixed prices. According to farm director Ouyang Wenbin, each mu generates 7,000–8,000 yuan in revenue, and Shandong buyer Yuan Zhenguo, who has sourced here for three straight years, confirms the consistent quality and steady market demand.
Beyond economic gains, this specialty industry creates vital local employment. The farm prioritizes hiring nearby villagers, especially women who need to balance work with family responsibilities. One worker, Sister Cui, happily shared that she earns 70–80 yuan daily while still being able to care for her children and household. Over recent years, Zhouying Town has diversified its agricultural structure, introducing contract-based farming not only for potatoes but also watermelons, strawberries, grapes, and medicinal herbs. By leveraging large-scale growers and farmer cooperatives, the town optimizes land use and boosts comprehensive output. Looking ahead, the town plans to extend industrial chains, expand sales channels, and strengthen its order-based farming model, using industrial vitality to drive comprehensive rural revitalization.
