Syrian Arab Republic

Potato cultivation in the Syrian Arab Republic plays a vital role in national food security and rural livelihoods, with total production reaching 619,568 tonnes in 2023, according to FAO data. The country's major potato-growing regions are geographically diverse: the inland plains of Hama, Homs, Al-Ghab, and Aleppo account for over 60% of national production due to their fertile soils and reliable irrigation infrastructure; highland areas around Damascus (700–1,400 m elevation) contribute approximately 30% of output; and the coastal lowlands of Latakia and Tartus supply the remaining 10%, primarily through rain-fed systems.

In Idlib Governorate alone, around 2,300 hectares are cultivated with yields ranging from 40 to 60 tonnes per hectare, supporting both spring and autumn planting cycles. Key potato-producing provinces such as Daraa, Hama, and Homs dominate national output.

Widely grown varieties across Syria include Spunta, Diamant, Nicolas, Mondinyal, Lzita, Fabiola, and Agria, while industrial and dual-season varieties such as Arizona, Montreal, Algeria, and Sennarji are preferred in Idlib. These varietal and regional adaptations underscore the resilience and strategic importance of potato farming within Syria’s agricultural framework.

Potato farming in Syria has deep historical roots, with initial introductions traced back to around 1844 when the crop was brought by the British consul and locally referred to as "kalkas firenji" (Foreigners' Colocasia). While early cultivation remained limited, significant production began in the 1920s, particularly in the highlands around Damascus, where farmers utilized seed potatoes imported from Egypt and Lebanon. The sector gained momentum in the 1950s when the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture launched technical assistance programs, leading to a substantial rise in production, from approximately 30,000 tonnes in the 1960s to nearly 400,000 tonnes by the mid-1980s. Further growth during the 2000s culminated in a peak production of around 720,000 tonnes in 2008. Potatoes are now Syria’s second most important vegetable crop after tomatoes, cultivated across multiple seasons—spring, summer, and autumn—allowing for nearly year-round availability and playing a key role in national food security.