In the high-altitude fields of Shiliping Town, Shangnan County, farmers are capitalizing on the region’s unique climate—average elevation of 1,000 meters, abundant sunlight, ample rainfall, and significant diurnal temperature variations—to grow premium vegetables. These conditions make the area ideal for producing crisp, sweet potatoes and other cold-tolerant crops.
In 2023, Shangnan seized the opportunity to supply vegetables to southern China, establishing the Shaanxi Hong Kong-Supply Vegetable Shangnan Haojing Jiayuan Planting Base, the second such certified base in Shaanxi Province. The farm employs a crop rotation system, growing potatoes in the first half of the year followed by radishes and green cabbages. This staggered planting ensures year-round supply, enhancing market competitiveness.
From Field to Fork: Ensuring Quality Every Step of the Way
To meet stringent export standards, the base enforces rigorous protocols:
- Soil & Environment Testing: Independent agencies assess soil, water, and air quality.
- Strict Certification: The farm is certified by customs as a supplier for Hong Kong and Macau.
- 68-Point Inspection: Every batch undergoes extensive testing before shipment.
- 48-Hour Cold Chain Delivery: Vegetables reach Shenzhen ports within two days.
- Full Traceability: A digital tracking system ensures transparency from farm to table.
This meticulous approach paid off when the first batch of Shangnan potatoes sold for 11 yuan/kg in Hong Kong—well above average market prices.
A Sustainable Growth Model for Rural Prosperity
The local government promotes a “Party Branch + Company + Cooperative + Farmers” model, integrating smallholders into the supply chain. Over 5,000 acres of land have been consolidated and upgraded for large-scale production. Additionally, the town has built three cold storage facilities and a pickled vegetable production line, creating a full-fledged agribusiness ecosystem.
Farmer Sun Baocang, who earns 5,000 yuan annually from seasonal work at the base, exemplifies how this model boosts rural incomes. Meanwhile, potatoes are graded by weight (A, B, C), with premium stock sent fresh to Hong Kong and lower grades processed into pickles—maximizing profitability.
Future Expansion: Feeding the Greater Bay Area
Shangnan plans to expand its vegetable exports significantly:
- 10,000+ acres under cultivation by end of 2024
- 40,000+ tons of annual supply to the Greater Bay Area
- 3,000+ jobs created for local residents
“This initiative not only enriches urban ‘vegetable baskets’ but also becomes a ‘golden key’ for rural revitalization,” said Li Jun, Deputy Party Secretary of Shangnan.
Shangnan’s success demonstrates how geographical advantages, strict quality control, and integrated supply chains can turn high-altitude farming into a high-value export business. By combining modern agronomy, traceability tech, and value-added processing, the region sets a benchmark for sustainable, profitable agriculture.
