The Rise of Julinka and Atlantic in Hanoi’s Winter Crops
In the quest for sustainable and profitable winter crops, Hanoi’s agricultural sector has introduced two high-performing potato varieties, Julinka and Atlantic. These varieties have been cultivated across 85 hectares in districts such as Mê Linh, Sóc Sơn, Ứng Hòa, and Mỹ Đức, yielding remarkable results. With their suitability for fresh consumption and industrial processing, these potatoes have brought significant benefits to farmers and marked a milestone in local agricultural innovation.
Key Outcomes
- Exceptional Yields and Profits:
- Julinka:
- Yield: 23.3 tons/ha
- Grade-1 tuber rate: 71.4%
- Profit: 82.6 million VND/ha (3 months)
- Atlantic:
- Yield: 22.7 tons/ha
- Grade-1 tuber rate: 85%
- Profit: 81.5 million VND/ha (3.5 months)
- Julinka:
These figures far surpass traditional winter crops like maize and soybeans, proving that these potatoes are not only resilient but also highly profitable.
- Market Demand and Commercial Viability:
Julinka’s golden flesh and high starch content cater to fresh consumption preferences, while Atlantic’s round, white-fleshed tubers, rich in dry matter, meet industrial processing standards. Partnerships with enterprises ensure stable demand, with Atlantic potatoes fetching 6,000–8,600 VND/kg under pre-harvest contracts. - Environmental and Agronomic Benefits:
- Soil Health: Potato farming utilizes rice straw as organic fertilizer and enriches the soil with decomposed plant material post-harvest.
- Reduced Inputs: Organic matter from potato crops decreases dependency on chemical fertilizers, promoting sustainability.
- Integrated Crop Management: Rotational planting minimizes pest risks for subsequent rice crops.
Comprehensive Farmer Support
Farmers participating in the model received robust support:
- 50% subsidy on seeds and fertilizers.
- Pre-cultivation technical training and ongoing guidance from agricultural experts.
- Access to quality inputs and adherence to standardized cultivation methods.
This collaboration between farmers, cooperatives, and the Hanoi Department of Agriculture ensures the scalability and success of these models.
The introduction of Julinka and Atlantic potatoes has redefined winter farming in Hanoi, providing a profitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient crop option. Their success underscores the potential of targeted agricultural innovation combined with strong market linkages. Scaling these models could transform the agricultural landscape, ensuring stable incomes and environmental benefits for farmers in Hanoi and beyond.
