Introduction
Potatoes are the worlds fourth most important food crop, central to global food security, nutrition and industry. Potato services cover the entire value chain from seed breeding and farm advisory to storage, processing and market linkages. This learning guide explores the past, present, and future of potato services, showing how research institutions, seed companies, farmers, industries and innovators work together to move potatoes from field to fork.
It is designed for diverse audiences, offering both practical insights and forward looking perspectives to understand the role of potatoes in shaping sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.
Why Potato Services Matter ?
Why Potato Services Matter Global Production Scale: Potatoes are a major staple crop, with global production exceeding 350 million tonnes annually (FAO, 2023). Asia, particularly China and India, leads production, contributing over half of the global supply. Potatoes are critical for food security, especially in developing nations.
Economic and Social Impact: Potatoes support rural livelihoods, providing income for millions of smallholder farmers. They are a high-yield, nutrient rich crop that can be grown in diverse climates, making them vital for poverty alleviation and economic stability.
Post-Harvest Losses: Losses during harvesting, handling, and storage can range from 20-40% in developing countries due to inadequate infrastructure and practices (FAO, 2023). Improved post-harvest services, such as modern storage facilities and cold-chain infrastructure, can reduce losses by up to 50%, boosting farmer incomes and food availability.
Climate Resilience: Potatoes face challenges from climate change, including rising temperatures and erratic rainfall. Innovations in breeding and farm advisory services are critical for developing climate resilient varieties and sustainable practices.
