Huma Potatoes

Huma Potatoes

Huma Potatoes are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Huma County is the only agricultural production county in the Greater Khingan Mountains region. Located in the humus-rich black soil belt of the Heilongjiang River basin, the land here is fertile, soft in texture, and high in potassium content, providing favorable conditions for potato production. Even under ordinary cultivation conditions, high yields can be achieved. The potatoes produced here are abundant in yield and excellent in quality.

　　Huma County is situated at 51 degrees north latitude, giving it unique regional advantages for potato cultivation. However, for a long time, local farmers had not formed an industrialized production system for harvesting potatoes. In March 2000, a major potato processing enterprise — the Huma branch of the Greater Khingan Mountains Lixue Company — was established in Huma County. By October of that year, a modern production line capable of processing 70,000 tons of potatoes and producing 10,000 tons of refined starch annually went into operation. Driven by this leading enterprise, Huma County vigorously advanced the development of the potato industry. To accelerate the establishment of seed potato and commercial potato bases, the county invested 5 million yuan. In addition, the county formulated a number of preferential policies to actively support farmers in growing high-starch potatoes. The availability of funding and favorable policies boosted farmers’ enthusiasm for potato cultivation. In 2002, the total potato planting area in the county reached 52,000 mu, an increase of 30,000 mu compared to the previous two years, and the total potato yield increased by 32,000 tons compared to 2000.

　　Huma Potatoes are high in yield and excellent in quality. The Huma branch of the Greater Khingan Mountains Lixue Company uses them entirely for production. The starch products produced have been recognized by the China Green Food Association as safe, high-quality, and nutritious green foods. They have passed the organic food inspection by IMO Switzerland and have successively won honors such as Heilongjiang Specialty, Heilongjiang Famous Product, and National Best-Selling Green Food. In 2003, the products were certified as pollution-free foods. The “Lixue” brand series of products are sold across more than 20 provinces and cities nationwide and are exported to international markets such as South Korea and Japan.

　　Huma Potatoes are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Applicant: Huma County Green Food Industry Development Association

　　Region: 2012

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic indication area for Huma Potatoes includes 54 administrative villages across eight townships: Huma Town, Sanka Township, Beijiang Township, Jinshan Township, Xinghua Township, Baiyinnuo Township, Oupu Township, and Hanjiayuan Town. The geographical coordinates are between 50°49′20″N to 52°53′59″N and 125°03′20″E to 127°01′30″E. The protected area spans 1.4335 million hectares, with a potato production area of 2,000 hectares and an annual fresh potato yield of 30,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. Product Features. The Huma region has a cold temperate cool climate with long sunshine hours and large diurnal temperature variations, resulting in fewer potato diseases and pests. Therefore, compared to potatoes from other regions, Huma Potatoes have higher yields and starch content, are rich in nutrients, and have a good taste. 2. External Sensory Characteristics: Huma Potatoes have round to cylindrical tubers, with white or yellow skin and white or light yellow flesh. The skin is smooth, the tubers are large and uniform, the eye depth is moderate, and they have good marketability. The tubers have a long dormancy period and are resistant to storage. 3. Internal Quality Indicators: Testing shows that fresh Huma Potatoes contain more than 17% starch, over 6.0 mg/100g of vitamin C, over 2% protein, 920 mg/100g of potassium, and 24 mg/100g of calcium. They are rich in nutrition, have a good taste, and are high in starch content. Compared to the same varieties grown in other regions, those grown in Huma have an average starch content that is at least 1 percentage point higher. 5. Safety Requirements: Huma Potatoes are produced and managed strictly in accordance with the “Green Food Potato Planting Technical Regulations.” The environmental conditions of the production area meet the standards required for green food. The raw materials used in potato production comply with the “Green Food Pesticide Use Guidelines” (NY/T 393—2000) and the “Green Food Fertilizer Use Guidelines” (NY/T 394—2000), and all relevant regulations of the “Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law” are strictly adhered to.