Potatoes replace rice to fight against desertification

Beijing (AsiaNews) – China just might have to replace its traditional rice-based diet with potatoes. On account of progressive shortfalls recorded in grain production, particularly rice, Chinese authorities are now promoting the growing and eating of potatoes.   

A few days ago the Chinese news agency, Xinhua, reported that the Fifth World Potato Conference was held in Kunming, in the southern province of Yunnan. It said that the conference was attended by 1200 academics and businessman from 46 different countries.     

Speaking at the event was China's vice-minister of agriculture who said that "we shouldn't underestimate the role the potato plays in helping to resolve problems of (food) shortages and fighting back against natural disasters, given its high yield, high adaptability and rich nutrients."

According to Hubert Zandstra, general director of the International Potato Center, the increase in potato consumption could lead to the creation of an international food security system. Putting this in perspective is economic growth in developing countries that threatens to undermine traditional cereal-based diets, like grain and rice.  

Currently, China is the world's largest producer of potatoes, growing 66 million tons annually. Yet only a quarter of its total yield goes to daily consumption. A large part of Chinese potato crops are of the sweet variety, whose natural chemical products (like citric acid used in soft drinks) are extracted and exported abroad.  

For sometime now China has been focusing on growing potatoes to deal with a serious environmental crisis which has hit the country's northern regions: desertification, made worse by the intensification of raging sandstorms.

China's hopes for overcoming the emergency are placed in a North American variety, the Canadian potato, which has proved resistant to cold and arid environments. China is also evaluating the potato's potential in the production of starch, candy, food additives and alcohol.  (MdO)

• China
• food
• emergency
• desertification
• potato
• development
• agriculture