In recent years, Liushao Township in Xundian County, Yunnan, has successfully positioned potato farming as a cornerstone of rural revitalization. The region’s natural conditions—fertile soil, favorable climate, and vast agricultural landscapes—make it ideal for potato cultivation. However, it is the township’s strategic focus on technology, scale, and cooperation that has transformed the local potato industry into a thriving, large-scale operation, benefiting both the economy and the community.
Technology-Driven Growth
Liushao Township has embraced cutting-edge agricultural technologies to enhance potato yields and quality. Collaborating with research institutions like Yunnan Agricultural University and Yunnan Normal University’s Potato Science Research Institute, the township has developed and promoted improved potato varieties such as Yunshu 304 and Kaifa Yangyu. These virus-free seed potatoes, along with the refinement of traditional varieties like Qingshu No. 9, have significantly increased productivity. Yields per acre now exceed 2,500 kg, with even higher output in select fields.
The township has also modernized its farming practices, with local experts guiding farmers in the use of advanced agricultural techniques, including precision fertilization, pest and disease control, and mechanized planting. These practices have not only boosted production efficiency but have also ensured that the potatoes meet high standards for quality and environmental sustainability. The result is a crop that is in high demand in the market, earning a reputation for being “green, ecological, and high-quality.”
Scaling Up: A Model for Success
To further elevate the industry, Liushao Township has taken proactive steps to scale up potato farming. One of the key measures has been the consolidation of land resources through land transfers and the formation of cooperatives. This has enabled the creation of larger, contiguous farming plots, which are easier to manage and operate efficiently.
A standout example is the Xundian Wandaping Potato Cooperative, which follows a “Party branch + cooperative + farmer” model. This organizational structure integrates local leadership with farmers and businesses, ensuring collective action and mutual benefit. The cooperative provides farmers with high-quality, virus-free seed potatoes, helping to reduce crop failure rates. Additionally, the cooperative streamlines operations through centralized planting, management, and marketing, which boosts both agricultural productivity and profitability.
With these efforts, Liushao’s potato farming area now covers more than 130,000 acres, yielding over 320,000 tons annually and generating billions of yuan in revenue. This large-scale operation has positioned Liushao as one of the leading potato production areas in the region, driving significant economic growth for the community.
Collaborative Organization and Strong Leadership
The potato industry’s success in Liushao Township is largely due to the emphasis on organizational collaboration. Party-led initiatives play a central role in guiding and coordinating the various stakeholders—farmers, cooperatives, and local enterprises—who are involved in the industry.
Liushao’s leadership introduced the “Three-Step Plan” to promote e-commerce for agricultural products. Under this model, local Party branches partner with companies, cooperatives, and large-scale farmers to coordinate efforts. This includes establishing 12 village Party-led cooperatives, forming the Xundian Wandaping Potato Cooperative Party Branch, and organizing a network of young entrepreneurs and Party members who lead sales efforts. The result is not only the rapid growth of the potato industry but also the strengthening of community ties and a renewed focus on collective prosperity.
This coordinated approach has solved logistical challenges, such as product sales bottlenecks, while also enhancing the distribution and marketing of Liushao’s potatoes. Moreover, it has deepened the connection between the local government, community leaders, and farmers, creating a shared vision for the future of the industry.
Brand Building: Potatoes with a Reputation
Liushao Township has recognized the importance of branding in elevating its potato industry to the next level. After years of strategic brand development and market expansion, the township’s potatoes now benefit from a strong, well-established market presence. In particular, the successful registration of the Xundian Alpine Potato as a geographical indication product has significantly boosted the market reputation of Liushao’s potatoes.
This branding effort has increased the market value of local potatoes, not only creating higher demand in domestic markets but also attracting interest from international buyers. The potatoes have become a hallmark of Liushao’s agricultural strength and are now a key part of the region’s rural tourism industry, where visitors come to experience farm life and sample local produce. This integration of agriculture and tourism is further driving rural revitalization, making Liushao’s potato industry a vital component of the local economy.
Liushao Township’s approach to potato farming offers a valuable model for rural development. By combining technology, cooperative farming, and strong leadership, the township has turned a traditional agricultural practice into a thriving, modern industry. This transformation has not only boosted economic growth but also provided a sustainable path for rural revitalization. As the demand for high-quality agricultural products continues to rise, Liushao’s potato industry is well-positioned for even greater success in the future.
