Almost half of the world’s potatoes are used as a staple food or source of vegetables in households. The world celebrates International Potato Day for the first time Economic Development
Today, May 30, the world celebrates for the first time International Potato Day, which is consumed as a staple food by approximately two-thirds of the world’s population. By 2030, total production of this crop is expected to reach 750 million tons, an increase of 112 percent.
History of Potatoes
Potatoes are a food crop with an ancient history, originating from the Andean region of South America. In the 16th century it came to Europe, after which it spread throughout the world.
The appearance of potatoes in Russia is usually associated with the name of Peter I, who at the end of the 17th century sent a bag of tubers from Holland to St. Petersburg for distribution to the provinces for cultivation. However, at first, “earth apples,” which were also called “devil’s apples,” did not become widespread in Russia – the peasant population did not accept them for a long time.
Steady Food
Today, nearly half of the world’s potatoes are used as a staple food or source of vegetables in households. According to 2020 data, China was the leader in potato production in the world; India took second place. Russia and Ukraine have been alternately occupying third position for many years. According to a number of statistical reports, Belarus is the leader in potato production per capita.
Potatoes are much more than just a food product. This plant is resistant to a wide variety of natural conditions – drought, cold and infertile soil. Family farming plays an important role in the production of this crop and helps reduce hunger and poverty on the planet.
Nutritional value
International Potato Day, established in December 2023, aims to raise awareness of the nutritional, economic, environmental and cultural value of the potato. Potatoes are a strategic element in providing affordable and nutritious food to rural and urban communities. Its cultivation is associated with low greenhouse gas emissions, which makes it an environmentally friendly crop plant.
Variety of varieties
Potato It is distinguished by a wide variety of varieties – there are more than five thousand of them. Many of them are unique and grow only in their homeland, in Latin America. One hundred and fifty wild relatives of cultivated potatoes show wide genetic variability for a range of traits, including the ability to adapt to different growing conditions and resistance to pests and diseases. They are a repository of heritable traits for further genetic improvement of the crop in accordance with constantly changing environmental conditions, new biotypes of pests and diseases, and consumer preferences.
Widespread cultivation and consumption This crop contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, such as zero hunger, sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment. Potatoes not only form the basis of the diet of a large proportion of the world’s population, but also provide opportunities for employment and sustainable economic growth in all segments of value chains.