December 17 2008, 16:45

Crisis caused decrease of world potato production

Global economic crisis may cause decreasing of growth rates of potato production, reported the specialists of the Food and agricultural organization (FAO) in the report "Invaluable soil gift in new world ".

Potatoes are the main vegetable crop in the world. In 2007, the general production volume reached the record level and totals 325 mln tonnes. More that ? of world potato crop was harvested in developing countries. However, at the moment, global economic recession may cause reduction of investment volumes and financial support for developing countries, including the segment of agrarian complex financing that helped to strengthen the potato industry of many countries. The specialists reported that new arrangements on scientific research implementing and new innovations in the potato-growing industry have to be taken.

At the moment, the average potato yield in Africa, Asia and Latin America totals only 15 t/ha that is twice up, compared to the potato crops in Western Europe and Northern America. For supporting the potato-growing industry in developing countries, specialists of FAO and International potato centre applied to scientists to supply high-qualitative seed potatoes, new varieties and nature-securing agricultural methods. Also experts added that these measures would be accomplished with credit financing, information, access to new sale markets and processing enterprises.