Mongolia

Potato cultivation in Mongolia is a vital component of the national agricultural sector, particularly concentrated in regions with favorable agro-climatic conditions. The central province of Töv (Tuv Aimag) stands as the leading potato-producing area, contributing over 40% of the country's total output. Other key regions include Selenge, Arkhangai, and Bulgan provinces, which offer cooler temperatures, well-drained soils, and strong market access for both inputs and produce.

Western provinces such as Khuvsgul and Khovd are emerging as potential growth zones, driven by recent advancements in seed systems and irrigation infrastructure. In contrast, potato cultivation remains limited in the arid Gobi region and the Eastern Steppe due to harsh climatic conditions and short growing seasons, though pilot trials are being conducted to assess future viability.

The Mongolian Potato Program (MPP), launched in 2004 in collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP), has played a critical role in supporting decentralized seed multiplication, farmer training, and the introduction of improved, high-yielding varieties.

Popular cultivars include Tömör, an early-maturing, drought-resistant variety developed through national breeding programs, as well as Tuya and Munkhsul, known for their good storability and stable yields. Additionally, Dutch-origin varieties such as Agria and Desiree have been successfully tested and adapted to Mongolian highland conditions through international partnerships.

Potato cultivation in Mongolia has evolved significantly from its modest beginnings during the Soviet era to achieving full self-sufficiency in recent years. Traditionally a nomadic pastoral society with limited crop farming, Mongolia began cultivating potatoes on a small scale during the mid-20th century, with about 3.4% of sown areas dedicated to the crop by 1941.

The development of state farms in the 1950s and 1960s introduced mechanization and irrigation, laying the foundation for structured potato production, although yields and overall output remained modest for much of the century. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the sector faced a sharp decline—potato acreage dropped from 12,600 hectares in 1989 to around 6,200 hectares by 1995, with yields falling to approximately 6.7 t/ha.

Compounded by a surge in low-cost potato imports from China between 1999 and 2005, domestic production was severely challenged. A major revival began in 2004 with the launch of the Mongolian Potato Program (MPP), a collaborative initiative involving the Mongolian Ministry of Agriculture, the Mongolian Farmer Association for Rural Development, the International Potato Center (CIP), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The program focused on introducing high-yielding, disease-free varieties, decentralized seed production, and improved agronomic practices.

As a result, cultivated area expanded to over 16,800 hectares by 2012, with production increasing from approximately 80,000 to 246,000 metric tons and yields rising from 8.8 to 20 t/ha. By 2011, national initiatives such as the Crop Rehabilitation Programme further boosted output and vegetable sector performance.

As of 2022, Mongolia had achieved complete domestic seed sufficiency and produced around 214,000 metric tons of potatoes—a 17% increase from 2021—demonstrating the long-term impact of sustained investments in certified seed systems, mechanization, irrigation, and inclusive farmer engagement.