Sweet potato cultivation: A catalyst for rural vitalization

An important sweet potato distribution center in Xiajin country. [Video by Deng Meiping provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Xiajin county in Dezhou, Shandong province is a traditional agricultural county. Historically, the ancient Yellow River changed its course twice, leaving behind sandy loam soil.

The sandy loam soil has nurtured two significant features. The first is the ancient mulberry trees along the former course of the ancient Yellow River in Xiajin, which have been recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Cultural Heritage System by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 

The second is the nationally renowned sweet potato industry. Xiajin sweet potatoes have a strong reputation across the country. 

Villages such as Houzhaozhuang village, Zuoti village, and Shiwulipu village are engaged in large-scale sweet potato cultivation. Houzhaozhuang village has the largest planting area and the highest level of industrialization, making it a significant sweet potato distribution center in China. 

With over 430 households growing sweet potatoes, the village's annual sweet potato trading volume is around 75 million kilograms. This sweet potato industry, with a history of over 30 years, has become an important way for Xiajin county to achieve rural vitalization and industrial prosperity. (Edited by Huang Junyao)