June marks the peak harvest season in Shibing County’s Yangliutang Town, where farmers in Diba Village are reaping the rewards of their hard work. Over 100 acres of potatoes have been successfully harvested, with an estimated yield of 4,700 pounds per mu (≈3.5 tons per acre). At a market price of $0.09 per pound (RMB 0.6), the total output is expected to reach $42,000 (RMB 280,000).
Efficient Farming Practices Drive Success
The harvest process is a well-organized operation, with over 50 local workers participating daily in digging, sorting, and bagging potatoes. Farmers like Ms. Long earn $14 (RMB 100) per day, demonstrating how agricultural projects can create local employment.
To maximize land use efficiency, Diba Village plans to rotate potatoes with cabbage and other vegetables, ensuring year-round production and continuous income for farmers. This approach aligns with global best practices in sustainable agriculture, where crop rotation improves soil health and reduces pest pressure.
Government and Cooperative Support Fuels Growth
Yangliutang Town’s success stems from its “Party + Cooperative + Large Farmers + Smallholders” model, which promotes:
- Land consolidation (small plots merged into large fields)
- Standardized planting techniques
- Regional specialization in vegetable production
This strategy mirrors China’s national “Grain Stored in Land, Grain Stored in Technology” policy, emphasizing high-efficiency farming and mechanization. Similar models in the Netherlands and the U.S. have shown that cooperative farming can increase yields by 20-30% while reducing costs.
Future Prospects: Scaling Up for Rural Revitalization
Moving forward, Yangliutang aims to expand large-scale, branded agricultural production, strengthening the local economy. With continued investment in technology and infrastructure, this region could become a benchmark for sustainable farming and rural prosperity in China.
The potato harvest in Shibing County is more than just a seasonal success—it’s a blueprint for modern, cooperative agriculture that benefits farmers, communities, and the environment. By adopting scientific farming methods and smart land management, rural areas can achieve long-term food security and economic growth.
