Potato

What is Potato?

The potato is a root vegetable that is a part of the Solanum tuberosum plant, which belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is a perennial plant, and there are thousands of different varieties worldwide. The most widely grown variety is Solanum tuberosum, which has 48 chromosomes. The potato originated in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia and is a staple food crop around the world.

The potato is a starchy root vegetable that belongs to the nightshade family. It is one of the most widely used vegetables in the world and a staple food in many cultures. It is native to South America and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. Potatoes are now a staple food in many countries, including the United States, Russia, and China. There are many different varieties of potatoes, but most have brown or yellowish skin and white or yellow flesh. They are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and many important vitamins and minerals. Potatoes are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

Potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, roasting, roasting, and mashing. They are used in a variety of foods such as mashed potatoes, French fries, and chips. In addition to being a popular food product, potatoes are also used in industrial processes such as the production of starch, alcohol, and biofuels. Potatoes are an important crop all over the world and are grown in different climates and soil types. However, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases that can significantly affect yields. Potato cultivation, therefore, requires careful management and supervision to ensure successful production.

Potato Production in the World

The global production of Potato plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2023, China is the top producer, contributing 93,430,000 tonnes, which accounts for 24.39% of the total global production. India ranks second, producing 60,142,000 tonnes, representing 15.70% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Ukraine, United States, and Russia, with production levels of 21,358,630, 19,992,090, and 19,374,441 tonnes, respectively. Vanuatu has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 3 tonnes in 2023. In total, global production of Potato reached approximately 383,082,686 tonnes in 2023.


Top 10 countries by Potato production 2020


Countries Ranked by Potato Production in 2023

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025
RankCountryProduction (Tonnes)Acreage (Hectare)Yield
1
China Flag
China
93,430,0004,568,81320,450
2
India Flag
India
60,142,0002,332,00025,790
3
Ukraine Flag
Ukraine
21,358,6301,210,20017,649
4
United States Flag
United States
19,992,090388,58051,449
5
Russia Flag
Russia
19,374,4411,105,42517,527
6
Germany Flag
Germany
11,607,300264,70043,851
7
Bangladesh Flag
Bangladesh
10,431,736455,52322,901
8
France Flag
France
8,606,490204,01042,187
9
Pakistan Flag
Pakistan
8,319,767340,57624,429
10
Egypt Flag
Egypt
6,869,331235,62529,154
11
Canada Flag
Canada
6,543,393156,64241,773
12
Netherlands Flag
Netherlands
6,491,890155,34041,792
13
Turkiye Flag
Turkiye
5,700,000150,92737,767
14
Poland Flag
Poland
5,590,030188,58029,643
15
Peru Flag
Peru
5,445,216314,30117,325
16
United Kingdom Flag
United Kingdom
4,703,724115,07640,875
17
Algeria Flag
Algeria
4,632,152137,74733,628
18
Brazil Flag
Brazil
4,188,704123,45533,929
19
Belgium Flag
Belgium
4,021,93095,70042,026
20
Belarus Flag
Belarus
4,020,846183,17921,950
21
Uzbekistan Flag
Uzbekistan
3,574,060112,11931,877
22
Nepal Flag
Nepal
3,487,816203,81217,113
23
Denmark Flag
Denmark
2,757,20061,10045,126
24
Colombia Flag
Colombia
2,573,450112,97522,779
25
Iran Flag
Iran
2,483,19980,55930,825
26
South Africa Flag
South Africa
2,415,63863,51038,036
27
Argentina Flag
Argentina
2,365,99865,76735,975
28
Kenya Flag
Kenya
2,309,913239,3259,652
29
Japan Flag
Japan
2,180,06669,67931,287
30
Kazakhstan Flag
Kazakhstan
2,046,77294,67821,618
31
Mexico Flag
Mexico
1,986,19962,12431,972
32
Spain Flag
Spain
1,921,85059,36032,376
33
Morocco Flag
Morocco
1,822,86558,58131,117
34
Malawi Flag
Malawi
1,551,92182,43418,826
35
Australia Flag
Australia
1,462,97534,77442,071
36
Kyrgyzstan Flag
Kyrgyzstan
1,286,82772,48317,754
37
Italy Flag
Italy
1,265,45045,45027,843
38
Indonesia Flag
Indonesia
1,248,51363,60619,629
39
Nigeria Flag
Nigeria
1,218,233322,7683,774
40
Ethiopia Flag
Ethiopia
1,191,04774,81715,919
41
Romania Flag
Romania
1,183,47079,49014,888
42
Bolivia Flag
Bolivia
1,167,305208,8975,588
43
Tajikistan Flag
Tajikistan
1,144,90056,60020,228
44
Azerbaijan Flag
Azerbaijan
1,010,51749,44920,436
45
Tanzania Flag
Tanzania
962,026112,1318,580
46
Afghanistan Flag
Afghanistan
889,00061,00014,574
47
Rwanda Flag
Rwanda
865,014114,3397,565
48
Chile Flag
Chile
843,11928,98629,087
49
Sweden Flag
Sweden
810,00022,50036,000
50
Turkmenistan Flag
Turkmenistan
788,26556,03214,068
51
Guatemala Flag
Guatemala
666,06426,70424,943
52
Lebanon Flag
Lebanon
659,58823,36428,231
53
Syria Flag
Syria
619,56824,77925,004
54
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabia
610,39021,28728,674
55
Serbia Flag
Serbia
599,57423,14525,905
56
Austria Flag
Austria
594,04020,62028,809
57
Zimbabwe Flag
Zimbabwe
580,57422,21726,132
58
Czech Republic Flag
Czech Republic
573,77020,95027,388
59
Guinea Flag
Guinea
559,96141,15413,606
60
South Korea Flag
South Korea
544,04222,24224,460
61
Sudan Flag
Sudan
527,77042,89912,303
62
Mozambique Flag
Mozambique
526,24927,17319,367
63
North Korea Flag
North Korea
522,496158,1373,304
64
Israel Flag
Israel
504,55714,48634,830
65
Angola Flag
Angola
501,62371,0567,060
66
Finland Flag
Finland
498,10016,50030,188
67
Venezuela Flag
Venezuela
475,91223,83819,965
68
Burundi Flag
Burundi
449,57641,04310,954
69
Tunisia Flag
Tunisia
436,13824,53217,779
70
Myanmar Flag
Myanmar
432,36328,07215,402
71
New Zealand Flag
New Zealand
428,5718,42450,875
72
Uganda Flag
Uganda
422,02654,3207,769
73
Libya Flag
Libya
370,35818,66119,847
74
Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
366,35425,17914,550
75
Armenia Flag
Armenia
364,53218,69519,499
76
Cameroon Flag
Cameroon
364,28434,40710,588
77
Switzerland Flag
Switzerland
360,39410,70433,669
78
Vietnam Flag
Vietnam
340,86420,23216,847
79
Portugal Flag
Portugal
325,08014,48022,450
80
Ireland Flag
Ireland
322,2008,21039,245
81
Norway Flag
Norway
313,50011,50527,249
82
Greece Flag
Greece
309,14010,96028,206
83
Yemen Flag
Yemen
301,74617,53417,209
84
Niger Flag
Niger
293,4738,24335,602
85
Albania Flag
Albania
274,18810,06827,233
86
Lithuania Flag
Lithuania
267,33014,73018,149
87
Ecuador Flag
Ecuador
262,03817,99714,560
88
Madagascar Flag
Madagascar
251,03741,6496,028
89
Iraq Flag
Iraq
229,0698,96525,552
90
Mali Flag
Mali
227,6149,98522,796
91
Hungary Flag
Hungary
209,9507,57027,735
92
Georgia Flag
Georgia
197,30016,00012,331
93
Jordan Flag
Jordan
193,7294,81540,235
94
North Macedonia Flag
North Macedonia
184,18112,25515,029
95
Mongolia Flag
Mongolia
179,36819,4259,234
96
Moldova Flag
Moldova
172,41022,8867,533
97
Latvia Flag
Latvia
147,5008,00018,438
98
Senegal Flag
Senegal
140,8735,88023,959
99
Slovakia Flag
Slovakia
135,7905,43025,007
100
Lesotho Flag
Lesotho
132,4827,33418,065
101
Croatia Flag
Croatia
126,2807,23017,466
102
Thailand Flag
Thailand
120,4746,51118,503
103
Bulgaria Flag
Bulgaria
119,2407,02016,986
104
Democratic Republic of the Congo Flag
Democratic Republic of the Congo
106,74223,3084,580
105
Dominican Republic Flag
Dominican Republic
104,6213,64528,705
106
Cuba Flag
Cuba
101,7216,10416,666
107
Philippines Flag
Philippines
100,0556,22216,081
108
Cyprus Flag
Cyprus
90,0003,80023,684
109
Costa Rica Flag
Costa Rica
81,2723,10426,183
110
Estonia Flag
Estonia
79,3003,20024,781
111
Slovenia Flag
Slovenia
68,5802,94023,327
112
Uruguay Flag
Uruguay
68,0003,00222,652
113
Palestine Flag
Palestine
65,3461,80336,247
114
Zambia Flag
Zambia
65,0822,65024,561
115
Taiwan Flag
Taiwan
61,8192,71722,749
116
Nicaragua Flag
Nicaragua
61,8193,43318,008
117
Sri Lanka Flag
Sri Lanka
40,7492,81314,486
118
Bhutan Flag
Bhutan
37,7493,24411,637
119
Chad Flag
Chad
36,9323,62010,202
120
Haiti Flag
Haiti
34,9602,75412,695
121
Burkina Faso Flag
Burkina Faso
29,62215,2841,938
122
Honduras Flag
Honduras
27,1621,80715,033
123
Panama Flag
Panama
27,0351,03226,207
124
Montenegro Flag
Montenegro
23,0111,40416,390
125
Kuwait Flag
Kuwait
18,10548137,647
126
Namibia Flag
Namibia
14,3181,18612,068
127
Mauritius Flag
Mauritius
13,71974918,316
128
Oman Flag
Oman
13,52143830,870
129
Jamaica Flag
Jamaica
13,30197313,670
130
Luxembourg Flag
Luxembourg
12,84056022,929
131
Eswatini Flag
Eswatini
8,6674,1092,109
132
El Salvador Flag
El Salvador
7,33322932,037
133
Iceland Flag
Iceland
7,29847015,528
134
Republic of the Congo Flag
Republic of the Congo
7,1128258,624
135
Malta Flag
Malta
5,50042013,095
136
Paraguay Flag
Paraguay
3,95926514,947
137
Botswana Flag
Botswana
3,6979513,887
138
Comoros Flag
Comoros
3,55523515,112
139
Lao PDR Flag
Lao PDR
3,52711131,861
140
Cabo Verde Flag
Cabo Verde
2,53417514,480
141
Mauritania Flag
Mauritania
2,4673876,367
142
Faroe Islands Flag
Faroe Islands
1,5299915,378
143
Belize Flag
Belize
1,48111612,767
144
Central African Republic Flag
Central African Republic
1,3781,2931,066
145
United Arab Emirates Flag
United Arab Emirates
1,2884926,111
146
Papua New Guinea Flag
Papua New Guinea
1,2632135,928
147
Timor-Leste Flag
Timor-Leste
1,2431,363912
148
Qatar Flag
Qatar
1,0243430,129
149
New Caledonia Flag
New Caledonia
7801017,748
150
Benin Flag
Benin
253376,800
151
Dominica Flag
Dominica
1501015,745
152
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain
120815,000
153
French Polynesia Flag
French Polynesia
7689,348
154
Eritrea Flag
Eritrea
6090662
155
Vanuatu Flag
Vanuatu
316,000

cultivation of Potato

Potato cultivation is a complex process that involves selecting the right variety of potatoes, preparing the soil, planting, fertilizing, watering, and managing pests and diseases.

Here is an overview of the main steps involved in potato cultivation:

  1. Select the right variety: There are many different varieties of potatoes, each with its characteristics and requirements. The choice of variety will depend on factors such as climate, soil type, and intended use.
  2. Prepare the soil: Potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0. The soil should be cleared of any debris, rocks, or weeds, and may need to be amended with organic matter or fertilizers to ensure proper nutrients.
  3. Plant the seed potatoes: Seed potatoes are small, whole potatoes that are planted in the soil. They should be planted in rows, with a spacing of about 10-12 inches between plants. The planting depth should be about 4-6 inches.
  4. Fertilize and water: Potatoes require regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the main nutrients needed by potatoes. They also need regular watering, especially during the growing season.
  5. Control pests and diseases: Potatoes can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, such as potato beetles, blight, and viruses. These can be managed through the use of pesticides, crop rotation, and other management practices.
  6. Harvest and storage: Potatoes are usually harvested when the plants have died back and the leaves have turned yellow. The potatoes should be dug up carefully to avoid damage, and then cleaned and dried before storage. Potatoes can be stored for several months in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area.

Potato cultivation can be a challenging but rewarding process and requires careful management and attention to detail. With the right approach, farmers can produce healthy and abundant crops of this important staple food.

Health Benefits of Potato

Potatoes have several health benefits. Here are some of them:

  1. Improved digestion: The fiber content in potatoes can help improve digestion and prevent constipation.
  2. Boost the immune system: Potatoes contain vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and protect against infections and diseases.
  3. Heart health: Potatoes are low in fat and sodium and high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  4. Improved brain function: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, which are important for brain function and energy production.
  5. Anti-inflammatory properties: Potatoes contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
  6. Blood sugar control: Potatoes have a low glycemic index, which means they can help regulate blood sugar levels and may be beneficial for people with diabetes.

It's important to note that while potatoes have many health benefits, they are also high in carbohydrates and calories. Moderation and portion control are key when it comes to incorporating potatoes into a healthy diet. Additionally, the health benefits of potatoes can vary depending on how they are prepared and cooked, as well as what other ingredients they are consumed with.

Nutritional Information of Potato

Potatoes are a nutrient-dense food that provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.

Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of potatoes:

  1. Carbohydrates: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy. A medium-sized potato (about 150 grams) contains about 30 grams of carbohydrates.
  2. Fiber: Potatoes are also a good source of fiber, which helps to promote digestive health and can help to lower cholesterol levels. A medium-sized potato contains about 3-4 grams of fiber.
  3. Vitamins and minerals: Potatoes are rich in many important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and iron. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to boost the immune system, while potassium is important for healthy heart function and blood pressure regulation.
  4. Resistant starch: Potatoes contain resistant starch, which is a type of carbohydrate that is not fully digested in the small intestine. This means that it passes through to the large intestine, where it can provide food for beneficial gut bacteria and help to improve digestive health.

It's important to note that the nutritional content of potatoes can vary depending on how they are prepared. For example, deep-fried potatoes (such as french fries) are often high in fat and calories, while baked or boiled potatoes are a healthier option. Additionally, the skin of the potato contains many beneficial nutrients, so it's best to leave it on when preparing potatoes.

Regional Variety of Potato

Potatoes are an incredibly versatile and widely consumed staple food that comes in various regional varieties. Here are a few examples of regional potato varieties and their common uses:

  1. Russet Potatoes (North America): Russet potatoes are known for their high starch content and dry texture, making them ideal for baking, mashing, and frying. They are commonly used to make crispy French fries, fluffy mashed potatoes, and baked potato dishes.
  2. Yukon Gold Potatoes (North America): Yukon Gold potatoes have a buttery yellow flesh and a creamy texture. They are versatile and suitable for various cooking methods, including boiling, roasting, and mashing. Yukon Gold potatoes are often used to make creamy mashed potatoes, gratins, and roasted potato dishes.
  3. Fingerling Potatoes (Europe): Fingerling potatoes are small and elongated, resembling fingers. They have a firm and waxy texture, making them well-suited for roasting, boiling, and using in salads. Fingerling potatoes are often featured in gourmet dishes, where their unique shape and flavor add visual appeal.
  4. New Potatoes (Europe): New potatoes refer to small, young potatoes that are harvested before they reach full maturity. They have a thin skin and a creamy texture. New potatoes are commonly boiled or steamed and used in salads, stews, and side dishes. They are favored for their delicate and sweet flavor.
  5. Purple Peruvian Potatoes (South America): Purple Peruvian potatoes have vibrant purple skin and flesh. They are typically used in salads or as a colorful addition to various dishes. These potatoes can be boiled, roasted, or mashed, and their striking color adds visual interest to meals.
  6. Sweet Potatoes (Various regions): Sweet potatoes are not technically potatoes, but they are commonly referred to as such. They have a sweet and starchy flavor and are popular in both savory and sweet dishes. Sweet potatoes can be baked, boiled, mashed, or used in casseroles, pies, and fries.

It's important to note that these regional varieties may be available in different parts of the world due to global trade and cultivation practices. The uses mentioned are common but not exhaustive, as potatoes can be prepared in countless ways to suit different cuisines and personal preferences.

Structure of Potato

The structure of a potato can be broken down into several parts:

  1. Skin: The skin is the outermost layer of the potato, and it can be brown, yellow, red, or purple. The skin is thin and papery, and it helps to protect the flesh of the potato from damage.
  2. Flesh: The flesh of the potato is the part that is eaten, and it can be white, yellow, or even purple. The flesh is composed of a network of cells, which contain starch granules and other nutrients.
  3. Eyes: The eyes are small depressions on the surface of the potato, which can sprout into new plants if left in the right conditions. They are also the starting point for many potato diseases and pests.
  4. Stolon: The stolon is a stem-like structure that grows underground and produces new potatoes. It is also called a "runner" or "root."
  5. Tuber: The tuber is part of the potato that is harvested and eaten. It is a swollen, underground stem that contains starch and other nutrients.
  6. Sprout: If a potato is left in the right conditions, it can sprout a new plant from one of its eyes. The sprout grows into a new stem and eventually produces new potatoes.

Overall, the structure of a potato is designed to store nutrients and energy underground, so that they can be used to produce new plants and sustain the growth of the potato throughout the growing season.

Types of Potato

There are many different types of potatoes, which can vary in size, shape, color, and texture. Here are some of the most common types of potatoes:

  1. Russet potatoes: Also known as Idaho potatoes, russet potatoes are large, oblong-shaped potatoes with brownish skin and white flesh. They are commonly used for baking, frying, and making mashed potatoes.
  2. Red potatoes: These are medium-sized potatoes with smooth, thin red skin and white flesh. They are commonly used for roasting, boiling, and making potato salad.
  3. Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes have yellowish skin and a creamy, buttery texture. They are good for mashing, baking, and frying.
  4. Fingerling potatoes: These are small, finger-shaped potatoes with thin skin and a firm, waxy texture. They are commonly used for roasting, boiling, and making potato salad.
  5. Purple potatoes: These potatoes have deep purple skin and vibrant purple flesh. They are rich in antioxidants and are commonly used for roasting and frying.
  6. New potatoes: These are small, young potatoes with thin skin and a waxy texture. They are commonly used for boiling, steaming, and making potato salad.

Overall, the type of potato you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the cooking method you plan to use. Some potatoes are better suited for certain dishes than others, so it's important to choose the right type of potato for your recipe.

Uses of Potato

Potatoes are a versatile and widely used food that can be prepared in many different ways. Here are some common uses of potatoes:

  1. Cooking: Potatoes are often boiled, baked, or roasted and used as a side dish or as a main ingredient in many different types of dishes, such as stews, casseroles, and soups.
  2. Snacks: Potatoes are used to make a variety of popular snacks, such as potato chips, french fries, and hash browns.
  3. Flour: Potato flour is made from dried, ground potatoes and can be used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in baking.
  4. Alcohol: Potatoes are used to make various types of alcoholic beverages, such as vodka, gin, and akvavit.
  5. Animal feed: Potatoes are also used as feed for livestock, as they are a good source of energy and nutrients.
  6. Industrial uses: Potatoes are used in the production of many industrial products, such as adhesives, textiles, and paper.

Overall, the versatility of potatoes makes them a valuable food crop with many different applications in cooking, agriculture, and industry.