Huocheng Yams

Huocheng Yams

　　In recent years, yams have gained popularity for their delicious taste, rich nutrition, and unique medicinal value. Yam cultivation has also brought tangible benefits to farmers in Huoyuan Town, Huocheng County.

　　Yams grow best in sandy loam soil and require sufficient sunlight and appropriate temperatures. The unique climate and soil conditions in Huoyuan Town are well suited for yam cultivation.

　　Yu Gen, a farmer from Laocheng Village, is a well-known local yam grower and has been specially appointed as a science and technology correspondent for yam cultivation by the Huocheng County Science and Technology Bureau. He continuously explores advanced yam farming techniques, has introduced high-quality varieties such as "Double-Tuber Frameless Yam" and "White Yam," and utilizes soil testing and formula fertilization as well as drip irrigation technology. His yield reaches 4.5 metric tons per mu, generating an income of 30,000 yuan per mu.

　　With the support of the local Party committee and government, Huoyuan Town established the "Yihui" Yam Planting Professional Cooperative. It now has 63 member households, cultivates nearly 300 mu of yams, and has helped increase farmers' income by over 4 million yuan. Yam cultivation has become a new highlight for boosting farmers' earnings in Huoyuan Town.

　　The "Huisheng" Yam Planting Professional Cooperative in Huocheng County operates under a model of unified services, packaging, pricing, and sales, adhering to standardized green and pollution-free planting practices. It is primarily responsible for organizing the procurement and supply of production materials needed for yam cultivation by its members, organizing the purchase and sale of yam products, introducing new yam cultivation technologies and varieties, providing relevant technical training, exchanges, and consulting services, hiring science and technology correspondents to guide farmers in scientific cultivation, and advising members on yam preservation and storage, all aimed at achieving high quality, high yield, and increased income.

　　To meet market demand, fully leverage local resource advantages, and transform standardized techniques into economic benefits, Huocheng County also organized experts to draft and formulate the "Pollution-Free Long-Root Yam Cultivation Technical Regulations," which were reviewed and filed by the Ili Prefecture Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau. The release and implementation of this standard provide a technical production guideline for local farmers to cultivate pollution-free yams.

　　Currently, yams from Huoyuan Town are mainly sold to Yining, Urumqi, Kuytun, Korla, and other areas, capturing the majority of the market share in the Ili River Valley.

　　Author: Chen Youming