A decade after Wu Qidong, a farmer, stumbled upon a few taro seedlings, the once-humble root crop has become a vital industry in Wuyi village, Haikou, Hainan province, transforming the local economy and withstanding climate challenges.
Since 2014, taro cultivation has expanded to 200 hectares across five villages in Longquan town. Yields surged by 27 percent following the introduction of virus-free seedlings.
"When I finished that first harvest, I knew things were about to change," Wu recalled.
However, last year's Super Typhoon Yagi devastated crops, slashing planted area by half. In response, local authorities have promoted disease-resistant varieties and expanded processing efforts.
"We're producing taro strips and chips through partnerships with manufacturers," said Chen Xiang, deputy director of Longquan town.
The town's taro brand, built on a cooperative model involving farmers, village collectives, and local authorities, has attracted national buyers from e-commerce platforms and supermarkets. Processing ventures, including plans for taro strips and chips and frozen pre-made dishes, aim to further cushion farmers against future shocks.
Renowned for its creamy texture and snow-white flesh, some Wuyi taro can weigh up to 4.2 kilograms. Wholesale prices have climbed to 8.2 yuan ($1.12) per kilogram, with farmers earning an average of 7 yuan, well above returns from staple crops. The latest harvest in Wuyi exceeded 100 tons.
