Potato is the third most important food crop in terms of global consumption.

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the major root crops of the world. With total planted area of 18.5 million hectares. India produces around 8% of the world’s total produce. India ranks fourth in terms of area and third in terms of production of potato across the globe. China and Russia are ahead of India in terms of potato production. The potato is herbaceous plant usually grown from suitable tubers.

It is a fundamental element in the food security for millions of people across South America, Africa, and Asia, including Central Asia. Presently, more than half of global potato production now comes from developing countries.

Potato, popularly known as the king of vegetables and a native of South America. It ranks 4th among important staple food after wheat, rice and maize.

The potato plays a strong role in developing countries with its ability to provide nutritious food for the poor and hungry. Potato is rich in carbohydrates, constituting 22-24% of its weight. It contains 2.1% to 2.7% protein, less than 0.5% of fat and the rest is water.

The best aspect of potato is that it produces more quantity of dry matter, edible energy, and edible protein in lesser duration, compared to cereals like rice and wheat. Hence, potato is useful tool in food security.

food security potato