A recent webinar hosted by the World Potato Congress highlighted the significance of potatoes in addressing the challenges faced by global agrifood systems to feed the expanding population. The event held on Monday, 29 April, served as a precursor to International Potato Day on 30 May, established by the UN General Assembly last year.
Key Points from the Webinar:
- André Devaux, a Member of the World Potato Congress’ Board of Directors, and a scientist at the International Potato Center (CIP), emphasized the income-generating and sustainable livelihood opportunities that potato farming offers to growers.
- He underscored the potato’s resilience, high yield capacity, short growing cycle, and low carbon footprint.
- Despite 1.3 billion people consuming potatoes globally, consumption levels still lag behind those of wheat and rice, highlighting untapped potential during food crises.
- The theme for this year’s International Potato Day is “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope,” recognizing the crop’s genetic diversity and its vital role in achieving universal food security and nutrition.
Insights from Chikelu Mba, Deputy Director of FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Division:
- Mba highlighted global hunger and malnutrition challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting 20% of the population.
- Climate change, urbanization, pest and disease issues, and conflicts over natural resources further compound these challenges.
- Mba stressed the need for tailored solutions to enhance the potato value chain and address context-specific issues effectively.
The International Potato Day serves as a tribute to small-scale farmers, especially those in the Andean highlands, who have preserved the potato’s diversity over centuries. FAO, leading the observance, is dedicated to supporting countries in developing resilient and sustainable potato value chains. Mba encouraged all stakeholders to participate in celebrating the day on 30 May, emphasizing the collective impact of raising awareness and inspiring action within their networks.
