Academician Wu Chi attends the 26th China Potato Conference
From May 19th to 21st, 2025, the 26th China Potato Conference was held in Wuxi County, Chongqing. Initiated by the Potato Professional Committee of the Chinese Society of Crop Science, the China Potato Conference has been held annually since 1998, successfully completing 25 sessions and serving and witnessing the development of China's potato industry. This year's conference, hosted by the Potato Professional Committee of the Chinese Society of Crop Science, focused on the theme of "Potato Industry and Rural Revitalization," and featured three main sections: academic forums, special events, and exhibitions and experiences. It showcased four highlights: a gathering of top think tanks, a comprehensive industry chain exhibition, deep integration of culture and tourism, and cloud technology empowerment. More than 800 people attended, including leaders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, relevant departments of Chongqing Municipality, invited guests, registered representatives from over 30 provinces and cities across China, representatives of signed or exhibiting companies, and journalists. Domestic and international potato experts, scholars, enterprise representatives, and large-scale growers gathered to conduct in-depth discussions on topics such as potato variety breeding, planting technology innovation, and the extension of the processing industry chain.
Academician Wu Chi attended the China Potato Congress for the third time, following his attendance at the 24th Qiqihar Congress and the 25th Ulanqab Congress. At the opening ceremony, Academician Wu Chi, along with Han Lijian, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government and Deputy Director of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Commission; Jin Liping, President of the Potato Professional Committee of the Chinese Society of Crop Science; Li Weidong, Secretary of the Wuxi County Party Committee; and Kou Zhanying, Party Secretary of the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, jointly inaugurated the congress.
The congress included five thematic seminars: genetics and breeding, cultivation and plant protection, seed potato breeding and post-harvest processing, industrial development, and smart agriculture. A youth academic forum was also held concurrently. Notably, a special "Southern Potato Commodity Value Seminar" was arranged for the host city, featuring a report by Academician Wu entitled "Securing China's Food Supply and Food Processing," and inviting industry experts and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and discuss local needs, providing guidance and solutions for the industry.
On May 20th, on-site observation activities were conducted at demonstration bases in Jianshan Town and Wenfeng Town, Wuxi County. Academician Wu, along with leaders, agricultural experts, business representatives, and members of the Potato Specialized Committee from across the country, conducted in-depth field research in Wuxi County to investigate the county's innovative achievements in promoting the potato industry and explore new paths for the development of the entire potato industry chain under the background of rural revitalization. Academician Wu showed great interest in the displayed potato seed stock, mechanized harvesting, and live-streaming sales demonstrations in the fields.
In an interview with local media, Academician Wu Chi pointed out that from a consumption perspective, the processing stage is crucial. Without the support of secondary industry processing, the primary industry (planting) and the tertiary industry (consumption) will be difficult to effectively connect. He said that while maintaining traditional processing methods, innovative processing techniques need to be introduced to expand planting areas, stimulate consumption, and increase farmers' income and wealth.
