The potato was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1850s by Europeans who settled in higher areas of the country.
At present potato is extensively cultivated in the district of Nuwara Eliya (Up country wet zone >1000m amsl) in two major seasons, "Yala" (Feb - July) and "Maha" (Aug - Dec.) where annual rainfall is >2,500mm and temperature ranges between 10-15 C with the relative humidity of 80%. It also widely grown in Badulla District (Up Country intermediate zone- 1000 to 1500 m amsl) in paddy fields and high land during "Yala' and "Maha" seasons respectively. This area experiences the rainfall of 1500 - 2250 mm annually with 70 % RH and 15- 22 C range in temperature.
Puttlam and Jaffna are the other two districts where the potato is grown in lesser extent.
Potato is the most popular crop of upcountry farmers due to its high net return.
Sri Lanka
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Agricultural Statistics Sri Lanka
| Potato Area Harvested in 2020 : | 3565.00 | ha | Official figure | ℹ |
| Sweet Potato Yield in 2020 : | 109664.00 | 100 g/ha | Official figure | ℹ |
| Sweet Potato Production in 2020 : | 44579.50 | t | Official figure | ℹ |
| Sweet Potato Area Harvested in 2020 : | 4065.00 | ha | Official figure | ℹ |
| Potato Yield in 2019 : | 187123.00 | 100 g/ha | Official figure | ℹ |
| Potato Production in 2019 : | 101642.00 | t | Official figure | ℹ |
| Potato Area Harvested in 2019 : | 5432.00 | ha | Official figure | ℹ |
Consumption Statistics Sri Lanka
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2014: | 8.23 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Sweet Potatoes , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2014: | 1.71 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Sweet Potatoes |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2013: | 8.36 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2013: | 8.05 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Sweet Potatoes , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2013: | 1.77 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Sweet Potatoes |
| Sweet Potatoes , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2013: | 1.76 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Sweet Potatoes |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2012: | 7.94 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
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