惠东小土豆变身“致富薯”，延伸产业链助农增收

Core Insights - The potato industry in Huizhou County has become a leading agricultural sector, significantly contributing to local farmers' income and economic development [2][3][4] Industry Overview - Huizhou County, known as the "Hometown of Winter Potatoes in China," has a winter potato planting area of 84,100 acres in 2024, with a spring potato area of 83,700 acres, yielding a total output of 251,100 tons and a total value of approximately 502 million yuan [2][3] - The main potato variety cultivated is "Yueyin 85-38," which has a growth period of 75 to 82 days and an average yield exceeding 5,000 pounds per acre [3] Economic Impact - The potato industry involves around 15,000 farming households and 45,000 individuals, demonstrating significant benefits for local farmers [3] - The introduction of a "chicken + potato" integrated farming model has increased potato yields by over 15%, with annual income per acre surpassing 8,000 yuan [5] Processing and Value Addition - The establishment of the LeFu Food Comprehensive Center, with an investment of 80 million yuan, aims to enhance the potato industry by integrating storage, processing, and research [4] - The center is expected to start operations in November 2025, contributing to the local economy and providing job opportunities [4][11] Research and Development - Huizhou is focusing on technological innovation and product diversification, having developed over 300 types of cakes using potatoes and eggs, with a notable cake containing 80% potato [6] - The county is also experimenting with new potato varieties, including colored and processing types, to enhance product offerings [6] Supply Chain and Market Integration - A stable supply chain has been established through a "company + base + farmer + market" model, improving farmers' planting enthusiasm [7][8] - In 2024, LeFu Company purchased 126,000 tons of potatoes from over 620 farmers, generating an additional income of 3.72 million yuan for farmers [8][9] Future Development - The integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism is planned to further exploit the potential of the potato industry, aiming for a new development model that combines potato planting, processing, sales, and tourism [10] - The county plans to optimize its planting model to enhance the winter potato industry and ensure stable income for farmers [10]