Potatoes are a popular crop worldwide, with a huge production of 359 million metric tonnes in 2020. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), here are the top 10 potato-producing countries in 2024:
Rank | Country | Production (Tonnes) |
---|---|---|
1 | China | 94,300,000 |
2 | India | 54,230,000 |
3 | Ukraine | 21,356,320 |
4 | Russia | 18,295,535 |
5 | United States | 18,582,370 |
6 | Germany | 11,312,100 |
7 | Bangladesh | 9,887,242 |
8 | France | 8,987,220 |
9 | Poland | 7,081,460 |
10 | Egypt | 6,902,817 |
These 10 countries make up around 70% of the world’s potato production. China leads the way, followed by India and Ukraine. Surprisingly, although the United States is the fifth-largest producer, it’s not the biggest consumer. On average, each person in the United States eats 58 kilograms of potatoes per year, whereas in Belarus, it’s a whopping 644 kilograms.
Potato farming depends on various factors like weather, soil quality, pests, and market demand. Potatoes are versatile; they can grow in different climates and are rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Potatoes serve many purposes. They’re used for food, animal feed, making starch, alcohol, and biofuel. Plus, they’re processed into various products like chips, fries, flakes, mashed potatoes, and flour. Potatoes are crucial for many people worldwide, especially in developing countries, where they’re a staple food.