Zhuangshu No 5, a potato variety with a high output, excellent quality, and good taste. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Farmers in Zhuanglang county, Pingliang, Gansu province, have turned potatoes from a traditional crop into a modern industry through advances in breeding, seed production, and processing.

The county has grown potatoes for more than 400 years. Its high altitude, abundant sunlight, large day-night temperature swings, and deep, loose soil provide favorable conditions for potato cultivation. However, local production once faced challenges from low-yield and disease-prone varieties.

To improve yields, agricultural researchers in Zhuanglang have spent decades developing new varieties. After more than 10 years of breeding, "Zhuangshu No 3" was approved in 2011. With a starch content of 21 percent, it was included among the four major potato varieties promoted under China's potato staple food initiative.

Since then, Zhuangshu No 4 to 8 have been developed, helping the county shift toward higher-yield, disease-resistant, high-starch varieties.

The county has also increased production of virus-free seed potatoes. A virus-free seed potato breeding base in Shuiluo town now produces 10 million virus-free plantlets and 40 million original seed potatoes annually.

Beyond cultivation, Zhuanglang has extended its industrial chain through processing. Local companies have developed products including starch, potato noodles, and feed protein, with processed products entering the supply chains of major food enterprises.

Today, the county's potato planting area remains above 24,000 hectares, with an annual output of 690,000 metric tons and industrial output exceeding 10 billion yuan ($1.48 billion).