As the largest potato producer in the world, China expects to benefit much from the valuable crop, which the current Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) designates as the country's fourth staple food alongside rice, grains, and corn to ensure the Chinese of food safety and security.
Identifying potato as China's fourth staple food has been long overdue. Although potatoes have historically been part of China's various regional cuisines, their inclusion as a staple rarely happens in Chinese households, China Daily reported.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) clearly defines food safety and security as among its top agendas in the present Five-Year Plan, which targets 6.67 hectares dedicated to potato production by 2020. The Ministry of Agriculture envisions potato to constitute 30 percent of China's food.
At present, the plan to make potato a significant component of Chinese food is smoothly taking place. For instance, potato powder now comprises around 50 percent of food components that derive from staple crops, which include Chinese cuisine essentials such as steamed buns and noodles.
The CPC is clearly strategic in its approach to assigning potato as China's fourth staple food, what with its ease of cultivation that involves only 30 percent of the water needed for rice or grains to flourish. Moreover, potato can grow on land set under relatively harsh conditions, which is abundant in China.
Currently, research is being undertaken to ensure that potato production in China continues to proliferate. Chinese scientists involved in potato research are presently tackling issues involving diminishing yields and shrinking sizes, with the aim to guarantee steady supply suitable for staples.
One interesting development made by Chinese potato scientists is the production of virus-resistant potatoes, which are also capable of 30 percent to 50 percent higher yields compared to ordinary counterparts. Disease resistance in potatoes is integral to ensuring the Chinese populace's need to secure adequate food.