by Shaheen Darr

Created on: September 14, 2008

The humble potato finally gained recognition when the UN declared it the staple food of the world's population this year. 2008 is the International Year of the potato (IYP) and this step was taken to increase world awareness to the benefits that the potato provides in alleviating hunger and providing food security all over the world and especially in the poverty stricken areas of the world. The invitation to recognise the importance of the potato was presented both to governmental and non governmental agencies that included the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

This step of potato recognition began in 2005 at the Biennial conference of the FAO. Peru forwarded a resolution about the importance of the potato to the Secretary General of the United Nations with the result that the resolution was accepted in December 2005 giving the potato the recognition of the world staple food in 2008. The need for future progress reports on what sorts of action followed the resolution and the results of such actions were also included in the resolution.

The resolution addressed the need to keep adequate production of the potato to meet world demands and making sure that its resources are not depleted due to environmental factors. The need to have adequate potato research and to develop its production was detailed and also making sure public awareness is raised about the importance of the potato in reducing world poverty and malnutrition. The financial aspects of this resolution were also addressed so that additional production and research could be matched with adequate financial resources.

The nutritional benefits of the potato are recognised worldwide as is its hardy nature to grow in all types of harsh climates. It can grow at most altitudes, requires very little water in its growing stages and after cultivation can be stored for up to 6 months thus providing food for a long period of time. In some cultures potatoes are freeze dried to provide food all the year round. This puts it in the list of foods like rice, corn and wheat which are some of the most important food sources in the world. It is full of carbohydrates to provide us with adequate energy and also packed with vitamin C, potassium, calcium and iron.

Potato production is on the increase as has been seen in some countries of Latin America, Asia and Africa and due to cross fertilisation we can now enjoy several different types of potato varieties. The culinary delights of eating the potato are a separate topic in itself and from jacket potatoes to sauted potatoes the list of serving the potato is endless. It is a vegetable that graces most dinner tables at all sorts of events and many dishes would not be the same without the accompaniment of the popular spud'

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