Occupied Palestinian Territory

Potato cultivation is a vital component of the agricultural sector in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), particularly in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where it ranks among the top vegetable crops alongside tomatoes and squash, contributing significantly to food security and farmers’ incomes. In 2023, the OPT harvested 1,803 hectares of potatoes, yielding 65,345.9 metric tons with an average yield of 36,246.9 kg/ha.

The West Bank’s major potato-producing governorates are Tubas, Jenin, and Nablus, while the Gaza Strip is also a key growing area, though production there faces challenges due to border closures and import restrictions on seed potatoes.

The dominant variety cultivated is Spunta, known for its high yield and adaptability, but recent initiatives—such as those by the MA’AN Development Center in partnership with Oxfam—have introduced 16 new high-yielding varieties from the Netherlands to Gaza, including Shangi, Kabale, and Arka, which allow for two harvests per year and can be harvested within 90 days of planting.