Zhenxiong Potatoes

Zhenxiong Potatoes

　　Zhenxiong potatoes are a specialty of Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province. Zhenxiong is a major agricultural county primarily focused on dryland farming, with extensive potato cultivation. Potatoes are the county’s second-largest grain crop, and their cultivation has a long history. Farmers have accumulated rich experience in potato farming.

　　The elevation within Zhenxiong County ranges from 630 to 2,416 meters, with a difference of 1,786 meters, resulting in a distinctively diverse vertical agriculture landscape. The area features large diurnal temperature variations and a cool climate. These naturally advantageous conditions are highly suitable for the growth and development of potatoes, facilitating tuber formation and the accumulation of dry matter, making it an ideal region for potato cultivation.

　　As one of the main potato-producing counties in Zhaotong City, Zhenxiong ranks first in the city in terms of planting area. In 2012, the potato planting area exceeded 44,000 hectares, accounting for 35% of the city’s total, with a total yield of 720,000 tons. In 2013, the yield reached 830,000 tons, accounting for 38% of Zhaotong City’s fresh potato production.

　　Potato farming in Zhenxiong County is mainly carried out through intercropping, typically with corn. Common methods include intercropping one row of potatoes with two rows of corn, or two rows of potatoes with two rows of corn. The intercropped area covers approximately 28,000 hectares, making up 64% of the county’s total potato planting area. At elevations above 1,750 meters, potatoes are mainly grown in pure stands, with a pure-cultivation area of about 16,000 hectares, accounting for 36% of the total. Aside from the traditional variety "Mira," over ten specialized potato varieties have been introduced, including Hui-2, Weiyu No. 3, Zhongxin 24, Atlantic, Zhongdian Red Eye, 90 Danxuan, Yunshu 201, Yunshu No. 2, and 3810. Varieties planted across more than 6,667 hectares include Mira, Hui-2, and Weiyu No. 3.