By Arun Kumar Shrivastav
On May 30 this year, the first International Day of Potato was observed. While India is the second largest potato producer after China, the historic event failed to create any awareness among the Indian people about its importance. Potato is the third most important crop after rice and wheat and is considered crucial for global food security. India produces about 60 million tonnes of potatoes annually. This year the production was at least one million tonnes less compared to last year.
Right now, potato prices have touched alarming highs in many parts of the country. In Kerala, for example, the wholesale price of potatoes is upwards of Rs 4,000 per quintal, which is Rs 40 per kg. In Mumbai, the retail price is Rs 40 kg. It’s expected that the prices will remain elevated until July-end when the new crop will come to the market. While potato production in India is sufficient to meet domestic demand, it doesn’t get processed into products with longer shelf life such as potato starch. A good amount of annual potato production gets spoilt for lack of proper storage.
The first International Day of Potato allows us to take a fresh look at this wonderful crop. Even though potatoes do not have the highest calorie levels, agriculturists say farming potatoes, instead of any other crop, produces the highest amount of calories per hectare.
The potato, a seemingly ordinary vegetable, boasts a remarkable history that sheds light on human civilization, trade, and agricultural innovation. From its humble beginnings as a wild plant in the Andes to its current status as a global staple, the potato’s journey is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation.
Spanish conquistadors brought the potato to Europe in the 16th century. Initially met with suspicion, the potato’s ability to thrive in poor soil conditions and provide a high-calorie crop eventually won over European farmers. By the 18th century, the potato had become a staple across Europe, leading to population booms and mitigating the impact of famines.
The potato’s story is one of human ingenuity, resilience, and adaptation. It is a reminder of our ability to work with nature to overcome challenges and create a more sustainable future. The next chapter in the potato’s journey will be written by our continued efforts to ensure this versatile crop remains a source of nourishment for all.
Potatoes are much loved as French fries and specialist potato dishes in South Asian restaurants. Potato Corner, originally from the Philippines and now a major snack bar chain in Thailand, has achieved significant popularity in Southeast Asia. Founded by Thai actor and entrepreneur Peach Pachara, Potato Corner Thailand launched in 2016, inspired by Peach’s visit to the Philippines where he discovered the brand’s immense success. With over 1500 branches globally, Potato Corner Thailand continues to expand, focusing on new flavours through in-house research and development.
There are more potato-themed restaurants across the globe. Across South Asia and in many parts of the world, potato-themed restaurants are a big craze. While India is also the second largest potato consumer, it consumes potatoes more as a staple than a gourmet choice.
However, India has taken some concrete measures to introduce scientific and research-based potato cultivation. For example, The International Potato Center (CIP) is in the final stages of establishing its South Asia Regional Center (CIP-SARC) in India, specifically in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the country’s leading potato-producing state. This initiative, part of CIP’s global research efforts, aims to support potato farmers not only in Uttar Pradesh but also in West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and neighbouring Bangladesh, a significant potato producer.
CIP-SARC will focus on developing climate-resilient and disease-resistant varieties of both potatoes and sweet potatoes. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP operates in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Negotiations with the Indian government have concluded, securing a $20 million (Rs160 crore) investment for the project. The Indian Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is expected to formalize approval under its 100-day agenda, following the national elections. The funding includes $13 million (Rs 105 crore) from the Indian government, with the Uttar Pradesh government providing 10 hectares of land for the center.
Once established, CIP-SARC will be India’s second major international agricultural research institute after the IRRI-SARC partnership in Varanasi, established in 2018 with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
India already hosts separate research centres for potatoes and sweet potatoes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), including ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, and ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI).
The establishment of CIP-SARC underscores India’s commitment to enhancing agricultural research and development, particularly in staple crops essential to food security and economic sustainability. (IPA Service)
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