Which Country is the Largest Producer of Potatoes in the World?

Largest Producer of Potatoes: Potatoes are grown more in China than any other country in the world. With ample agricultural area and responsive government support for main productive crops, China can produce 95.6 million tonnes of potatoes each year. Potatoes are grown in provinces including Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, and Sichuan and enter into all areas of food production, from classical and culturally relevant food to modern processed foods. Keep reading more about potatoes. 

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Which Country is the Largest Producer of Potatoes in the World?

China is the world's leading potato-producing country, with a production total of 95.6 million metric tonnes a year. Potatoes grow in an array of climates, from highland to temperate plains, and are not considered only one of the most flexible agricultural crops. As China grows, potatoes are being represented to farm as a food security crop, while China is investing more into improved seed varieties, mechanised farming and processing technology, accessibly improving and expanding the application of potatoes.

How Many Potatoes Does China Produce?

On an annual basis, there are about 95.6 million tonnes of potatoes produced from China, contributing over a quarter of the global potatoes. An absolute volume or quantity of production contributes to food security, rural employment, and industrial use. Chinese potatoes or potato-based products ensure potatoes are being developed for fries, starch, alcohol, animal feed and snacks and must be seen as a potential contribution when potatoes are in daily or 'living' meals and economic output.

Top 5 Potato-Producing Countries in the World 

Note: These figures are based on the latest 2023–2024 data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Population Review.

1. China

China has solidified its dominant status as the world's largest producer of potatoes. The crop is cultivated in over 20 provinces, many of which are high-altitude farms that allow for multiple harvests. The Chinese government has identified potatoes as a national staple, and they are increasingly used not only for potato processing or starch but also for noodles and buns. 

2. India

India is the second largest producer of potatoes in the world, producing approximately 56.2 million tonnes of potatoes per year. The regions of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar are the main potato-growing parts each year. In India, potatoes are a dietary staple in homes across the country and are used in a vast range of dishes, including curries, snacks, and street food. India is also developing its exports of fresh and processed potatoes in places such as The Middle East and Southeast Asia. 

3. Ukraine

Ukraine produces approximately 20.9 million tonnes of potatoes every year. Ukraine is well known for having rich black soil (the famous chernozem), which is excellent for growing root crops. Potatoes are a food staple in the household diet in Ukraine, and many households still grow them in their small home gardens. While there are challenges ahead, Ukraine remains one of the largest producers of potatoes in Europe.

4. Russia

Russia produces 18.9 million tonnes of potatoes each year. It remains one of the largest potato-producing countries. Potatoes remain an essential food source in the Russian grocery basket and Russian cooking. Potatoes are cultivated in the least and all colder, frost-free regions of Russia.

5. United States

The United States grows approximately 17.8 million tonnes of potatoes per year. The main production states are Idaho, Washington, and Wisconsin. Much of the crop is used in industrial food processing, making the U.S. one of the world’s largest suppliers of frozen French fries, potato chips, and dehydrated flakes.

Other Potato-Producing Countries 

Apart from the top five, other major producers of potatoes include Germany, Bangladesh, France, Poland, and the Netherlands.  Several countries specialised in seed potatoes and processed products, using their production capacities primarily to augment the world's supply of potatoes. 

Interesting Facts About Potatoes

1. Ancient Andes 

Potatoes were domesticated in the Andes mountain region of South America more than 7,000 years ago by Indigenous peoples in the area of modern-day Peru and Bolivia. 

2. Fourth Most Important Food Crop 

Aside from rice, wheat, and maize (corn), potatoes are the next most important food crop in the world, and make a significant contribution to human nutrition and food security.

3. NASA Grew Potatoes in Space 

NASA grew potatoes in space as part of an experiment with the International Potato Centre in order to support long-term space missions.

4. Over 4,000 Varieties Exist

There are thousands of potato varieties worldwide, ranging in colour from purple to red to golden yellow.

5. A Single Plant Yields Many Tubers

One healthy potato plant can produce 5 to 20 tubers, making it one of the most efficient and calorie-dense crops for small-scale and commercial farmers alike.

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