Cambodia

Potato cultivation in Cambodia is gaining rapid momentum as a key element of sustainable agrifood systems in Southeast Asia, supported by the Potato Research Centre at the Royal University of Agriculture. High-yield, climate-resilient varieties such as Electra, Fandango, Madeira, Tornado, Concordia, Banba, Julinka, and Jelly—introduced from Germany, Ireland, Thailand, and Vietnam have been successfully adapted to local conditions, especially in provinces like Mondulkiri, Pursat, and Battambang, where yields reach up to 25–30 tonnes per hectare. Additional trials in Kampong Chhnang, Tboung Khmum, and Kampong Speu show promise for future expansion.

Meanwhile, in Colombia, sweet potato cultivation—dating back to pre-Columbian times—is widespread across regions from sea level to elevations of 2,300 meters, with key production zones including the heat-tolerant Caribbean Region and San Andrés Island.

In Cambodia, potato cultivation has historically been limited due to the country's hot and humid lowland climate and a strong cultural preference for rice as the primary staple. For much of the 20th century, potatoes were grown on a very small scale, largely imported and not integrated into traditional Khmer diets or farming systems.

A significant shift occurred in 2016 with the establishment of Cambodia’s first potato research center at the Royal University of Agriculture in Phnom Penh, supported by the Ministry of Rural Development, Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The center focused on testing potato varieties from countries like South Korea, Peru, and Germany to identify those suitable for local conditions.

In 2017, Mondulkiri Province emerged as the first viable potato-growing region due to its cooler highland climate, offering potential for crop diversification and enhanced food security. To support farmers, the ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS) initiative introduced a Khmer-language potato cultivation manual covering best practices in planting, nutrition, pest management, and post-harvest handling.

While potatoes are gaining popularity in urban diets, particularly through international cuisine, their consumption remains limited in rural areas where rice continues to dominate.