In September, the aroma of potatoes filled the air in Dingxi, China, where vibrant fields of flourishing crops illustrated the region’s agricultural vitality. During the 14th China International Potato Expo and the 2024 China Dingxi Potato Conference, attendees from across the globe gathered to witness the impressive advancements in the local potato industry, which is recognized as a key contributor to agricultural prosperity.
Central to the growth of this sector is the quality of seed potatoes, often referred to as the “golden seeds” for their potential to enhance farmers’ incomes. At the Dingxi Potato Research Institute, visitors were greeted by a state-of-the-art facility spanning 20,000 square meters, featuring intelligent greenhouses dedicated to the cultivation of virus-free seed potatoes. According to Liu Deng, a greenhouse manager, this facility can yield two crops of original seed potatoes annually, with a projected harvest in about 120 days after planting.
The research institute utilizes an innovative elevated seedbed system, employing a coconut coir substrate and a fully automated environmental and irrigation control system developed in collaboration with China Agricultural University. This technology ensures optimal growing conditions for the virus-free seedlings, enhancing yield and quality. With an annual production capacity of 16 million original seeds valued at approximately 6.8 million yuan, this facility represents a significant advancement in seed potato propagation.
In addition to traditional cultivation methods, the Dingxi Potato Research Institute also employs hydroponics for seed potato breeding. The results are striking: mini potatoes hang in clusters, nourished in a carefully controlled environment. These mini potatoes serve as high-quality seed stock for future generations.
Dingxi is not only a major potato-producing area in China but also hosts one of the largest virus-free seed potato breeding bases in the country. The institute boasts over 20 years of expertise in seed potato production and operates multiple cutting-edge tissue culture laboratories. Every year, their virus-free seedlings undergo rigorous international testing to guarantee quality, with the institute now producing over 30 elite seed varieties.
The scale of production is impressive: the institute has a 3,500-square-meter tissue culture room and can produce over 60 million virus-free seedlings and 110 million original seed potatoes annually. Remarkably, 90% of China’s seed potato exports originate from Dingxi.
In the sorting and packaging facility, workers efficiently grade and package these premium seed potatoes, which are vital to the industry. The integration of advanced technologies, such as automated water and nutrient systems, supports ongoing research in drought resistance, soil-borne disease treatments, and the application of nano-fertilizers.
Field demonstrations in Chenjiali Village highlight the commitment to cultivating high-quality potatoes. The community’s structured experimental plots showcase the successful growth of various potato strains, underscoring the importance of both seed quality and cultivation practices.
Dingxi’s potato industry has evolved into a comprehensive supply chain, covering everything from seed breeding to commercial potato cultivation and the production of refined potato products. The city now produces over 1.7 billion original seed potatoes and more than 2 million tons of virus-free seed potatoes annually, representing half of China’s total production capacity. With approximately 3 million acres dedicated to potato farming and an overall yield of around 5 million tons, Dingxi has established itself as a leader in potato production.
The establishment of national-level wholesale markets and numerous online sales outlets has further enhanced the distribution and accessibility of Dingxi potatoes. The total industry output value has reached 24 billion yuan, affirming its status as the largest virus-free seed potato breeding base in the country.
Particularly notable is the “Dingxi Wide Noodles,” a popular product that has successfully registered as a national geographic indication trademark. With over 120 processing entities, production exceeds 200,000 tons, generating a revenue of 3 billion yuan. The innovation in ready-to-eat and fresh potato products has made Dingxi potatoes a culinary favorite, reinforcing the region’s brand value at 39.6 billion yuan.
The potato industry in Dingxi is not just about cultivation; it embodies a holistic approach that integrates research, technology, and community engagement. As the region continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, potatoes are poised to remain a cornerstone of economic prosperity for farmers and the broader agricultural community.
