On October 14, 2023, in Datong, Shanxi Province, we explore the unique agricultural practices in Zuo Yun County that are helping shape a new vision for rural revitalization.

With the implementation of improved potato varieties, Zhang Congbing, the head of the local potato cooperative in Chencangyao Village, proudly states, “Our potato yields have been rising year after year, and income is steadily increasing. This year, we planted 500 acres of potatoes, and after covering costs, we anticipate earning about 1,000 yuan per acre.”

The vibrant landscapes of Zuo Yun County are currently adorned with scenes of harvest celebrations featuring diverse crops such as potatoes, sea buckthorn, and red sorghum, exuding the joy of a fruitful season.

In recent years, Zuo Yun County has focused on leveraging its unique agricultural advantages to create a comprehensive production system for branded agricultural products. This approach aims to foster rural revitalization through an all-encompassing strategy that includes diverse varieties and complete supply chains.

Inside the processing workshop of a local grain processing plant in Ninglu Village, workers skillfully operate milling and packaging machines amidst a busy atmosphere. Zhang Riliang, the plant manager, explains, “We primarily source our raw materials from local small grains, including oat flour, bean flour, and buckwheat flour. Our products are distributed across both provincial and national markets.” Since its establishment, the processing facility has purchased over 100,000 pounds of corn, peas, and millet from farmers in Ninglu Village and surrounding areas.

Today, small grain cultivation spans across the rural areas of Zuo Yun County, with planting areas expanding to over 300,000 acres and a total yield exceeding 100 million pounds. The income from agricultural product processing and sales has reached over 900 million yuan, making small grains a significant pillar for local rural revitalization.

Zuo Yun County serves as a prime area for sea buckthorn cultivation in the province. In recent years, the county has set ambitious goals focusing on “small sea buckthorn, big industry, superior ecology, and promoting revitalization.” Implementing a plan for individuals to cultivate an average of one acre of sea buckthorn, the initiative has resulted in the planting of 22,000 acres across 87 administrative villages in eight townships, in addition to nearly 100,000 acres of natural sea buckthorn forests.

At the production facility of Yunchong Zise Food Co., Ltd., large steam equipment is used to process sea buckthorn, with workers engaged in a well-organized workflow. General Manager Chen Qiang elaborates, “Our agricultural industrialization model of ‘company + base + farmers’ has facilitated the whole process from harvesting to refining sea buckthorn into high-quality products, benefiting over 1,000 local households with an average annual income increase of over 7,000 yuan per household.”

Thanks to technological advancements, sea buckthorn is helping transform the local economy. Not only has it become a source of income for communities, but the sea buckthorn trees also play a crucial role in improving the ecological environment, effectively blending ecological, social, and economic benefits.

Looking ahead, officials from Zuo Yun County expressed their commitment to capitalizing on distinctive resources, actively exploring new markets, and enhancing product quality to ensure agricultural byproducts serve as a robust support for enriching and empowering farmers, thus solidifying and expanding the successes achieved in poverty alleviation while promoting rural revitalization.