#PotatoCultureFestival #RuralRevitalization #AgriculturalDevelopment #Tourism
In recent years, the Zoucheng municipal government has prioritized the implementation of rural revitalization strategies as the cornerstone of agricultural work. As a result, the town’s rural industries have flourished, incomes have increased, and urban-rural integration has progressed. Kanzhuang Town has taken the lead in rural revitalization and the development of unique agricultural products, including Kanzhuang potatoes, Jinshan cherries, and Liuxia Yi pig teeth soap, turning local “specialties” into “major industries.” Building on the success of previous editions, the town aims to leverage the Potato Culture Festival as a platform to explore the potential of its unique industries, guided by new development concepts, industry growth, and the construction of a beautiful and prosperous rural environment supported by a strong collective economy.
Consequences of Development: The opening ceremony recognized outstanding individuals and groups in Kanzhuang Town, acknowledging their contributions to the community. Excellent works, including essays and DIY short videos, were showcased, demonstrating the deep connection between the local community and potatoes. The festival also witnessed the signing of a successful contract for the export of 500 tons of Kanzhuang potatoes to Russia. The continuous hosting of the Potato Culture Festival has attracted a significant number of tourists to Kanzhuang, establishing a new path for the integrated development of agriculture and tourism.
The 12th edition of the Potato Culture Festival, themed “‘Endless Brilliance of Potatoes, Transforming Earth into Gold, Harmony and Prosperity in Kanzhuang,” meticulously planned 12 main activities, such as potato handicraft competitions, potato digging contests, mini-marathons, cultural experiences for youth, and rural sports events. With over 2,000 participants, these activities enriched the cultural life of the local community, fostered a civilized rural atmosphere, and showcased the positive spirit of the people in Kanzhuang Town.
Statistical data reveals that Kanzhuang Town has over 30,000 acres of potato cultivation, with an annual yield exceeding 150,000 tons and a production value surpassing 400 million yuan, making it the largest potato planting and trading base in Jining City. Through leveraging its resource endowments and unique advantages, Kanzhuang Town has adopted an industrialized operation model guided by party building and involving a combination of “party branches + cooperatives + enterprises + farmers.” The town has focused on improving infrastructure, strengthening policy and technical support, enhancing product branding, expanding sales channels online and offline, and improving cold chain storage and trading capabilities. These efforts have propelled the development of high-quality agricultural industries. “Kanzhuang Potatoes” have obtained national green food certification, earned national geographical indication trademark recognition, and been included in the national directory of outstanding new agricultural products. They have also become the only agricultural product in Jining City to benefit from the province-wide special agricultural product target price insurance policy. Moreover, the first batch of potatoes from Kanzhuang directly exported to Russia via the Heilongjiang Dongning Port marked a significant milestone, symbolizing the global expansion of “Kanzhuang Potatoes.” The recognition received at the 2023 China Agricultural Wealth Creation Conference as the “Best Agricultural Product” further highlights the importance of “Kanzhuang Potatoes” as a driving force for rural industrial revitalization, turning small potatoes into valuable assets and transforming thousands of acres into a “treasure trove” for the town.
