Potato innovation and science now key to successful production

As China stands as the world's largest producer of potatoes, its annual production of nearly 100 million metric tons on some 5 million hectares of arable land reflects the central role potatoes play in the country's food security and agricultural development.

Simon Heck, director-general of the International Potato Center (CIP), said China's geographic diversity allows for year-round potato production, a significant advantage, and its businesses on potato cultivation and production thrive through global cooperation and technological innovation.

In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Heck stressed that currently, there has been a new wave of investments in potato production in China from companies outside of agriculture, such as in the construction and real estate sectors, indicating the growing economic significance of this crop.