China, the world's foremost potato producer, annually cultivates close to 100 million metric tons across approximately 5 million hectares. Simon Heck, director-general of the International Potato Center (CIP), highlighted in a China Daily interview, the nation's unique position for year-round production due to its geographic diversity. This capability, alongside international collaboration and technological innovation in the sector, underscores the crop's contribution to China's agricultural landscape and food security.
Heck noted an emerging trend of investment in potato cultivation from sectors beyond traditional agriculture, showcasing the crop's expanding economic footprint. The adaptability of potatoes to various climates plays a crucial role in supporting food security, particularly in China's northern and northwestern regions amid the ongoing harvest season.
Since 1978, CIP's collaboration with Chinese agricultural bodies has significantly advanced potato and sweet potato production. Heck emphasized the transfer of genetic resources to China, making it the largest beneficiary of CIP's global gene bank contributions. Varieties like "Cooperation-88" and "Jizhangshu" now represent a significant portion of China's potato output.
Addressing climate change, Heck pointed out its impact on traditional potato-growing areas in China. CIP's development of climate-adapted potato varieties, in partnership with local institutions, aims to mitigate these challenges. He also mentioned the importance of water-efficient crops in response to water scarcity concerns.
Heck further discussed the pivotal role of science and innovation in enhancing the productivity and sustainability of potato production. Initiatives include leveraging artificial intelligence for resource optimization and encouraging cross-sector collaboration to integrate biotechnological advances into potato cultivation.
Source: China Daily