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Potatoes are grown in more than 150 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Oceania. Major growing regions include China and India in Asia, Europe’s temperate agricultural regions, North America’s commercial farming areas and the Andean highlands of South America. Potatoes are cultivated in diverse environments, from cool temperate zones to tropical highlands and subtropical winter-growing regions.

Potatoes originated in the Andes of South America, particularly around the Lake Titicaca region of present-day Peru and Bolivia. Indigenous communities domesticated potatoes approximately 8,000 years ago. Spanish explorers introduced the crop to Europe during the 16^th century, after which it spread to other parts of the world through maritime trade and agricultural exchange.

Potatoes are cultivated worldwide because they produce nutritious food, have a relatively short growing cycle and can adapt to a wide range of growing environments. They support food security, farmer livelihoods and commercial industries producing fresh potatoes, French fries, chips, starch and dehydrated products. Their role varies by region, from smallholder farming and traditional food systems to large-scale mechanized production and industrial processing.

China is the world's largest potato-producing country, followed by India. Both countries account for a substantial share of global production. Other major producers include Ukraine, the United States, Russia, Germany and Bangladesh. Production rankings can change from year to year depending on harvested area, weather conditions and crop yields.