Zhangyi Potatoes

Zhangyi Potatoes

　　Zhangyi Town is located in the southwestern part of Yuanzhou District, Guyuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on the western side of the Liupan Mountains. It covers an area of 156.9 square kilometers and has a population of 29,000. The area features a cool and moist climate, a short frost-free period, with annual rainfall of 200–300 mm, most of which occurs during the three months of July to September. It is classified as a semi-humid to humid region, with elevations between 2,000 and 2,800 meters. The soil and climatic conditions are well suited for potato cultivation, and the potatoes produced here are known for their large size, high quality, and high yield. They are highly popular among residents of surrounding counties and foreign buyers.

　　The potatoes produced in this town are also exported to cities such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangdong, and Fujian. In recent years, potato farming has become an effective way to increase farmers' income and serves as a pillar industry for Zhangyi Town, as well as being the potato breeding base for Yuanzhou District.

　　In 2000, the town adjusted its crop planting strategy, focusing on expanding the area under potato cultivation and introducing new varieties to improve potato quality. The planted area exceeded 100,000 mu, with per capita cultivation surpassing 1.8 mu. The main new varieties included Jinsu No. 7, Yunnan No. 6, Longshu No. 7, Zhongxin 24, Hutou, and Longshu No. 3.

　　In 2011, Zhangyi Town (Potatoes) in Yuanzhou District, Guyuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, was recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture as a “National 'One Village, One Product'” demonstration village.