May 30: International Day of Potato (We're serious, it's official)

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The world is observing the first-ever International Day of Potato on May 30, 2024. This global event, announced by the General Assembly in December 2023, is a tribute to the potato’s significant role in addressing food security and nutrition challenges.

 

The potato, a crop of enormous global significance, contributes to key objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as achieving zero hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture, and advancing economic opportunities. With over 4,000 varieties cultivated in 130 countries, this versatile tuber ranks among the top five staple food items used throughout the world.

 

The International Day of Potato is not just a celebration of the potato’s culinary diversity, but also an acknowledgment of its contribution to sustainable economic growth along its value chains. From smallholders producing diverse heirloom varieties by hand in the Andes, to vast commercial, mechanized farms in different continents, potatoes play a crucial role in the livelihoods and employment of people in rural and urban areas.

 

 

Moreover, the potato’s nutritional richness and versatility in the kitchen make it a cornerstone of global nutrition. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, potatoes offer a wealth of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Whether baked, boiled, grilled, fried, or steamed, the potato represents high nutritional value and product safety.

 

The potato’s resilience and adaptability further underscore its importance. As an exceptionally resilient plant that can thrive in a variety of climates, the potato plays a crucial role in food security and combating hunger. Moreover, potatoes require significantly fewer resources such as water and land compared to other staple foods, making them a resource-efficient option for sustainable nutrition.

 

This humble tuber has not only sustained civilizations but also inspired artists and alleviated famine. Today, it continues to feed billions of people worldwide, providing not just sustenance, but also hope.

 

 

The International Day of Potato is a global recognition of the potato’s significant role in our lives. As we celebrate this day, we are reminded of the potato’s journey and its contribution to global food security and nutrition. But what does the future hold for this humble tuber? How can we ensure its sustainable cultivation and consumption in the face of environmental threats? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.

 

 

Read more:

• https://www.un.org/en/observances/potato-day
• https://www.fao.org/international-potato-day/en
• https://potatoesaustralia.com.au/international-potato-day-events/
• https://www.brusselstimes.com/world-all-news/1064062/from-now-on-30-may-will-be-international-potato-day

 

Image: Julia Sudnitskaya | Dreamstime.com