In the fields of Wudu District, white potato blossoms sway in the May breeze, painting a picturesque scene. But beyond the beauty lies a story of agricultural innovation—where science, technology, and smart farming practices are turning humble potatoes into a high-yielding, high-profit crop.
Early Harvest, Higher Profits
Wudu leverages the unique microclimate along the Bailong River to cultivate winter-sown potatoes, using advanced techniques like “double plastic mulching” and “frost-top mulching” to bring harvests 100 days earlier than traditional methods. This early-market advantage allows farmers to sell at premium prices, reaching up to 8 yuan/kg (approx. $1.10/kg).
- 2025 planting area: 4,100 hectares (~10,100 acres)
- Expected yield: 4 tons per mu (≈ 60 tons per hectare)
- Gross income per mu: 8,000–10,000 yuan (≈ 1,100–1,100–1,400 per 0.16 hectares)
- Total industry value: 260 million yuan (≈ $36 million)
Science-Driven Farming for Maximum Efficiency
To ensure high productivity, Wudu’s agricultural experts provide hands-on training, promoting:
- Disease-free seed potatoes (reducing viral infections)
- Soil-testing-based fertilization (optimizing nutrient use)
- Eco-friendly pest control (minimizing chemical reliance)
Over 24,000 farmers have benefited from free seed potatoes, mulch films, and technical support.
Smart Crop Rotation: Triple the Income
Wudu has pioneered a three-crop rotation system:
- Winter potatoes (high-value early harvest)
- Rice (staple crop)
- Vegetables (additional cash crop)
This system achieves an annual income of 12,000 yuan/mu (≈ $1,700/0.16 hectares), proving that intensive land use equals higher profits.
Market Success & Future Growth
Wudu potatoes, known for their early maturity and superior quality, dominate markets in Lanzhou, Qinghai, and Sichuan. With green food certification, they command premium prices. In 2024, core demonstration fields recorded yields of 3,850 kg/mu—30% higher than conventional farming.
Farmer Zhang Yuping confirms: “Winter potatoes are our ‘golden beans’—stable demand and great profits.”
From Subsistence Farming to Agritech Prosperity
Wudu’s success demonstrates how innovation, science, and market-smart strategies can turn a staple crop into an economic powerhouse. By embracing high-efficiency techniques and diversified farming, Wudu is setting a blueprint for rural revitalization.
Future Plans:
- Expand “One Village, One Product” branding
- Strengthen post-harvest processing (value-added products)
- Enhance digital agriculture for precision farming
The potato fields of Wudu are no longer just about survival—they symbolize a new era of tech-driven, profitable agriculture.
