Food & Climate
While higher temperatures accelerated Potatoes tuber growth, they compromised the size and weight of the potatoes, posing a serious threat to food supplies. So, Chinese scientists are working urgently to safeguard potato crops – a critical food source worldwide – against the growing threat of climate change.
China emerged as the leading potato producer globally, contributing over 93 million metric tons to the world’s supply in 2023. Other key players like India, Ukraine, Russia, the United States and Germany also made notable contributions to the total world production, showcasing the broad geographical spread of potato production capabilities.
Research conducted at the International Potato Center (CIP) in Beijing highlights the impact of rising temperatures on potato yields, prompting a nationwide push for climate-resilient agricultural solutions, according a report seen by “Food & Climate” platform.
Temperatures 3°C higher
A study published in the Climate Smart Agriculture journal, led by molecular biologist Li Jieping, revealed that potatoes exposed to temperatures 3°C higher than current averages in Hebei and Inner Mongolia experienced a drastic yield reduction of over 50%.
Potatoes grown under simulated future climate conditions weighed less than half of standard varieties, signaling potential food security challenges for China, the world’s largest potato producer.
Li noted that while higher temperatures accelerated tuber growth, they compromised the size and weight of the potatoes, posing a serious threat to food supplies.
In Inner Mongolia, farmers are grappling with climate-related disruptions, including erratic rainfall, delayed harvests, and worsening crop diseases. Wang Shiyi, a manager at Hebei Jiuen Agricultural Development Company, reported that heavy rains this year hindered harvesting efforts.
Meanwhile, Li Xuemin, general manager of Yakeshi Senfeng Potato Industry Company, expressed concern over the increasing resistance of diseases like late blight to conventional control methods. This disease thrives in the warmer, more humid conditions associated with climate change. Chinese researchers are turning to advanced agricultural techniques to combat these challenges.
At a research facility in Yanqing, Beijing, scientists use aeroponics and genetic studies to cultivate heat-tolerant and disease-resistant potato varieties. Li Jieping emphasized that changes in farming practices, such as shifting planting seasons or relocating to higher altitudes, may become necessary within the next decade.
Without immediate intervention, researchers warn that rising global temperatures could severely impact farmers’ livelihoods and potato crops and its prices, further straining food security, according to “Potato Pro”.
Potato crops improving
FAOSTAT’s 2023 data reveals that the total area harvested globally was 16.8 million hectares, down from 18.1 million hectares in 2022. Despite the reduction in harvested area, total potato production increased to 383 million metric tons in 2023, compared to 376 million metric tons in 2022.
These figures underscore the industry’s progress in achieving higher yields through improved practices and innovations.
The data also highlights emerging trends and areas of potential growth. Asia, as the largest regional producer of potatoes, plays a critical role in meeting global demand. Countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are working to modernize their agricultural systems, incorporating mechanization and advanced farming techniques to increase productivity. Additionally, efforts to improve post-harvest storage and transportation infrastructure in the region are helping to reduce losses and ensure a stable supply chain.
Africa’s rising contributions, coupled with ongoing advancements in agricultural technology, signal opportunities for expansion. African nations are increasingly investing in research and infrastructure to overcome challenges such as limited access to water and high-quality seed potatoes. By adopting innovative irrigation techniques and developing climate-resilient potato varieties, the continent is poised to significantly increase its output in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Europe continues to lead in innovation, with a focus on sustainable practices and high-yield potato varieties. European countries are setting examples through advancements in precision agriculture, enabling farmers to optimize inputs like fertilizers and pesticides while maximizing yields. Additionally, Europe’s emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of potato production aligns with broader global sustainability goals.
In North America, technology-driven solutions are shaping the future of potato farming. From drone-assisted field monitoring to the use of artificial intelligence in predicting disease outbreaks, the region is integrating cutting-edge tools to improve productivity and minimize losses.
Globally, the potato industry is also witnessing a rise in interest in organic production. This shift reflects growing consumer demand for sustainable and health-conscious food options. Countries across all continents are exploring methods to scale organic potato farming while maintaining competitive yields, according to “Potato news today”, according to “Potato news today”.