Seventy five years of potato in India

Abstract

India, celebrating seventy-five years of independence, aims to achieve Developed Nation status by 2047, relying heavily on its agriculture sector to fulfill Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as eradicating poverty, eliminating hunger, and ensuring food health and well-being. With a burgeoning population expected to surpass 1.67 billion by 2050, the diversification and utilization of horticultural crops, particularly potatoes, emerge as vital strategies for ensuring food and nutritional security. This article traces the journey of potatoes from their origins in South America to their introduction and adoption in India. It highlights the pivotal role of research and development (R&D) interventions, notably by institutions like the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), in enhancing potato cultivation and productivity in India. Today, India stands as the second-largest producer of potatoes globally, with substantial contributions to the agricultural economy. The article delves into the drivers of growth in the potato sector, emphasizing the increasing demand for both fresh and processing-quality potatoes. It forecasts the future trajectory of potato consumption, driven by factors such as urbanization, changing dietary habits, and the rise of the agri-processing industry. As India looks towards meeting the projected demand for potatoes by 2050, the article underscores the need for concerted efforts to ensure the availability of high-quality seed potatoes and to further enhance productivity to meet global standards.