Winter potato cultivation in Yunxian county, Lincang city, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, has entered the harvest season. This marks the beginning of a period of increased economic activity in the region as farmers work to harvest their crops. The harvesting process typically runs from December to February, depending on weather conditions.
According to recent reports, the total planting area of winter potatoes in Yunxian county is approximately 38,900 mu (2,593 hectares). This is a significant increase from previous years and reflects a growing trend in the region towards expanding potato cultivation. With a bumper harvest expected, the total output of potatoes is anticipated to exceed 31,000 tonnes.
The growing popularity of winter potatoes in Yunxian county can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the crop has proven to be well-suited to the region’s climate and soil conditions, making it an ideal choice for local farmers. Additionally, the high demand for potatoes in both domestic and international markets has created a lucrative opportunity for farmers to increase their income.
As winter potato harvesting season begins in Yunxian county, local authorities and agricultural experts are working to ensure that the crop is harvested efficiently and effectively. This includes providing farmers with the necessary training and resources to maximize their yields and reduce waste. With a strong focus on sustainability and environmental protection, the potato cultivation industry in Yunxian county is poised for continued growth and success.
Duan Xuelan, the head of Shuimo village, Aihua town of Yunxian county, reported that the village achieved an average yield of 3.8 tonnes of high-quality potatoes per mu. Furthermore, the selling price per tonne exceeded 2,600 yuan ($375.48), which resulted in a total annual income of over 11 million yuan for the villagers.
The success of Shuimo village can be attributed to their promotion of potato contract farming, a system in which dealers purchase the growers’ potatoes in their fields during the harvest season. This arrangement has enabled the farmers to focus on planting and harvesting high-quality potatoes while eliminating the need for them to worry about marketing and selling their produce.
Through this system, the dealers provide the farmers with the necessary resources, such as seeds and fertilizers, and offer them technical support throughout the farming process. In return, the dealers purchase the potatoes at a predetermined price, providing the farmers with a stable source of income. This mutually beneficial arrangement has contributed significantly to the economic growth of Shuimo village.
In addition to promoting potato contract farming, Shuimo village has also invested in modern farming equipment and techniques. The village has implemented measures to control pests and diseases, which have helped to improve the yield and quality of their potato crops. These efforts have not only increased the income of the villagers but also contributed to the overall development of the village.
Shuimo village in Yunxian county is an excellent example of the success that can be achieved in the potato industry through the promotion of innovative planting techniques. Over the past years, the county has implemented measures to encourage farmers to grow winter potatoes, which has resulted in increased income for them.
One of the primary ways the county has achieved this is through the promotion of planting technologies such as standardized planting, which involves planting potatoes at the right depth and spacing to ensure optimal growth. The county has also introduced the integration of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, which has helped to improve the yield and quality of the potato crops.
The integration of water, fertilizer, and pesticides has also helped to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in potato farming, resulting in a safer and more environmentally friendly farming process. Moreover, it has led to the production of high-quality potatoes, which are in high demand both domestically and internationally.
The success of Shuimo village and the county’s potato industry demonstrates the importance of promoting innovative planting techniques in China. With a growing population and increasing demand for food, it is essential to adopt sustainable and efficient farming methods that can produce high-quality crops while ensuring the health and safety of consumers and the environment.
Overall, the success of the potato industry in Yunxian county has provided a model for other regions in China to follow. By implementing similar measures to promote innovative planting techniques and sustainable farming practices, other regions can also increase their agricultural productivity, improve the quality of their crops, and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.
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