In the agricultural heartland of Yutian county, Hebei province, a quiet revolution is unfolding within the cabbage fields that promises to reshape regional farming economics. As winter’s harvest season reaches its peak, specialized cabbage varieties from local cooperatives are commanding unprecedented market attention, with demand extending far beyond the traditional Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regional market.
The Huayu Cabbage Cooperative reports exceptional market performance for their Lyusun 70 variety, with all 5.3 hectares completely pre-sold at prices exceeding double that of conventional cabbage. According to cooperative head Cai Lianzhu, the variety’s exceptional low-light tolerance and disease resistance have contributed significantly to its commercial success.
This agricultural breakthrough stems from the scientific expertise of Dr. Zhang Shujiang and his research team at the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Their Lyusun 70 hybrid, characterized by its upright growth pattern, tightly wrapped shell-shaped leaves, and dual-purpose culinary applications, earned national recognition earlier this year when it was included in China’s catalog of recommended crop varieties.
The success story extends beyond Lyusun 70 to include Hongsunbao No 1, another innovative variety enabling Yutian farmers to break traditional seasonal constraints. This dual-season cultivar has created new summer market opportunities, effectively extending the county’s growing calendar and enhancing overall market competitiveness.
Shi Dongyu, director of the Lanyu Cooperative, reports expanding Hongsunbao No 1 cultivation to two hectares following substantial buyer interest, particularly from southern markets where the variety’s compact size and superior flavor command premium prices exceeding 4 yuan per kilogram.
Dr. Zhang observes that these developments reflect broader consumer trends favoring smaller, higher-quality produce over traditional large-head vegetables. This shift toward premiumization has driven significant varietal upgrades throughout Yutian’s vegetable industry, boosting both yields and profitability while strengthening supply chain resilience.
The regional impact has been substantial, with Yutian Vegetables securing recognition as one of the top 50 public brands in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in 2025, demonstrating how scientific innovation and agricultural tradition can combine to create competitive advantage in modern markets.