Beacon of achievement in sweet potato sector

Houzhaozhuang village in Xiajin county, Shandong province is becoming a leader in the small sweet potato sector.

A photo of Houzhaozhuang village in Xiajin county. [Photo by Huo Qizhi for chinadaily.com.cn]

With its advantageous soil and the collective drive of its residents, the village has become renowned for its high-quality sweet potatos, contributing to the economic growth of the region.

The village prides itself on its bountiful harvests, with over 2,500 small and large sweet potato storage pits guaranteeing an annual distribution of more than 300 million kilograms of sweet potatoes nationwide.

Houzhaozhuang village's strategic location along the former course of the iconic Yellow River provides a unique advantage, as its sandy soil conditions are remarkably conducive to the growth and cultivation of sweet potatoes.

Leveraging this natural blessing, the village has garnered unprecedented support from the local government and relevant departments, fostering a cooperative spirit among its residents.

Dedicated staff meticulously sort and arrange sweet potatoes. [Photo by Huo Qizhi for chinadaily.com.cn]

Adopting the innovative approach of "cooperatives + bases + farmers + market," Houzhaozhuang village has spearheaded a flourishing industry.

Consolidating their efforts through unified planning and management, the village has established a remarkable eight cooperatives and nine family farms, seamlessly integrating every aspect of the sweet potato enterprise chain.

From enhancing sweet potato varieties through dedicated research and development to nurturing seedling cultivation and propagation, and from meticulous planting and thoughtful storage techniques to streamlined processing and sales practices - the entirety of Houzhaozhuang village is immersed in a comprehensive industry ecosystem.

Furthermore, efficient logistics transportation ensures the swift delivery of this exceptional produce to eager markets. (Edited by Cai Liting)