Today is International Day Of Potato. The world celebrates the versatility of the potato – a staple in every kitchen and a symbol of our farmers’ dedication. The theme of this year’s day is Shaping history, feeding the future. The theme acknowledges the potato’s deep historical and cultural significance and its evolving role in today’s global agrifood systems.
India is happily joining the world to celebrate International Potato Day. The potato, called aloo in India, is very important in Indian food and farming. India is the second-largest producer of potatoes in the world, accounting for a big share of the potatoes grown globally.
The story of the potato begins in the Andes Mountains of South America, where it was first domesticated over 7,000 years ago by Indigenous communities. These early farmers developed a diverse range of heirloom potato varieties, adapting the crop to various altitudes and climates.
The potato’s journey across the globe began during the Columbian Exchange in the 16th century, when it was introduced to Europe and, eventually, the rest of the world. Since then, it has played critical roles in human history, not least during the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-19th century, a tragic event that reshaped demographics and migration patterns, especially in Ireland and North America.
The potato’s ability to grow in diverse environments and provide high caloric yields per hectare made it a cornerstone in the development of modern agriculture and food security.