The rise of Asia as the centre of global potato production and some implications for industry

Potato production in the developing countries in Asia now accounts for a greater share of global output than all the industrialized countries combined. This paper examines the divergent peaks, valleys, and spikes in output that characterized the 120 million t expansion in potato production in Asia during the last half century. New technology, improvements in production and postharvest infrastructure, and government policy along with the inherent traits of the crop itself all contributed to these trends. A shift toward more diverse diets and the cash income derived from potato production played an equally, if not more important role. After assessing alternative scenarios for future development of the potato sector in the region, the paper concludes by highlighting opportunities for industry before identifying some key topics for future research.