Development of Potato Seed Industry and Targeted Poverty Alleviation in Plateau of China postprint

Abstract: Potato is the main crop and important pillar industry in poor mountainous areas of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Loess Plateau in China. At present, there are several key common problems in potato production in these two regions, such as high incidence of diseases and insect pests, high chemical fertilizer usage but low utilization efficiency, imperfect seed potato breeding system and narrow market, which seriously restrict the sustainable development of potato industry. Taking Zhaotong of Yunnan Province and Dingxi of Gansu Province as examples, this study analyzes the advantages and necessity of developing seed potato industry in plateau poverty-stricken areas from the perspectives of ecological characteristics, location advantages and targeted poverty alleviation. It is proposed that the promotion of disease-resistant varieties, the introduction of green and efficient fertilizer application and pest control technologies, the establishment of specialized seed potato breeding technology system and large-scale base, as well as the expansion of seed potato market are effective measures for implementing poverty alleviation in the plateau regions.