Core Insights - The sweet potato harvest season is currently underway in Lu Long County, Hebei Province, with a total planting area of 120,000 acres and an annual production of 250,000 tons of fresh sweet potatoes, establishing it as a recognized "Hometown of Sweet Potatoes" in China [1][2] - The establishment of the National Sweet Potato Industry Technology System Demonstration Base in Lu Long marks a significant step in advancing sweet potato research and technology, focusing on new variety demonstration, disease-free seedling technology, and deep processing [2] Group 1: Sweet Potato Production - The Ren Yuan Family Farm has planted 1,500 acres of fresh-eating sweet potatoes, achieving an average yield of 7,000 pounds per acre, primarily selling to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Northeast regions [1] - The county's sweet potato industry has developed a complete supply chain, including over 200 cooperatives, family farms, and deep processing enterprises, resulting in a total annual output value exceeding 1.015 billion yuan [2] Group 2: Deep Processing and Export - The Qinhuangdao Gaocheng Food Industry Co., Ltd. produces various sweet potato products, including fries and dried sweet potatoes, with an annual production of approximately 3,500 tons, exporting to countries like South Korea and Japan [1] - The sweet potato starch and noodles from Lu Long are exported to over 20 countries and regions, with an expected foreign trade export value of over 88 million yuan in 2024 [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformation of the sweet potato industry in Xuchang, Henan Province, showcasing its evolution from traditional farming to a modern, diversified agricultural sector that significantly contributes to local economic development and food security [4][20]. Industry Overview - Henan is a major sweet potato production province, with a planting area of approximately 4 million acres, ranking third in the country. Xuchang alone has over 400,000 acres dedicated to sweet potato cultivation, with more than 200 enterprises producing over 1 ton of starch and noodles daily, creating an industry cluster worth nearly 5 billion [5][10]. - The sweet potato industry in Xuchang has evolved to include various high-value products such as sweet potato noodles, alcohol, and dietary fiber, reflecting a comprehensive approach to agricultural modernization [5][20]. Technological Innovation - The industry has embraced technological advancements, with companies like XuanKang Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. operating a standardized production base for sweet potato starch and noodles, achieving an annual output of 30,000 tons of starch and 15,000 tons of noodles [10][12]. - Research and development efforts have led to the creation of new sweet potato varieties and innovative processing techniques, enhancing product quality and meeting modern consumer demands for health and sustainability [14][12]. Market Expansion - Xuchang's sweet potato products are gaining recognition in both domestic and international markets, with companies successfully exporting products to Europe and Central Asia, thus transitioning from local specialties to international ingredients [16][20]. - The integration of sweet potato products into various culinary applications has increased their market appeal, with companies developing over 20 different product varieties that are in high demand [11][15]. Economic Impact - The sweet potato industry has significantly improved the livelihoods of local farmers, with over 110,000 households benefiting from the industry, averaging an income increase of over 10,000 yuan per household [17][20]. - The local government has implemented policies to support the industry, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, promoting regional brands, and fostering collaboration between farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises [19][21].