On May 30, 2024, the world came together to celebrate the first International Day of Potato, a global observance dedicated to highlighting the significance of this versatile crop. This celebration aimed to emphasize potato's crucial role in combating hunger and poverty, addressing environmental challenges in agrifood systems, and recognizing the invaluable contributions of small-scale family farmers, many of whom are women.
This year's theme, "Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope," seeks to promote potato's contribution to both producers and consumers. Potato is a staple for over one billion people worldwide.
The International Potato Center in Ghana-Tamale, in collaboration with the Food Science Department at the University for Development Studies and local restaurants, marked this day with a vibrant and colorful celebration.
The event featured an impressive display of twenty different potato dishes, demonstrating the remarkable diversity of this beloved crop. Students created nutritious potato-based foods beneficial for children and women, while local restaurants showcased an array of potato dishes, highlighting both culinary innovation and local expertise.
Professor Gustav, head of the department of Food Science at the University for Development Studies, stressed on the university's commitment to advancing potato and sweetpotato innovations in the processing and recipe development. He highlighted several innovative products resulting from their research and outreach programs, some of which have already been commercialized. His words underscored the importance of collaboration between academic, research and development sectors in driving agricultural value chains and culinary advancements.
Dr. Birhanu Temesgen, the CIP country manager and GROWING Project Manager, congratulated the students and restaurants on their outstanding innovations on potato and colorful celebration of the day. Potato being the third most important food crop after rice and wheat in terms of human consumption around the world, the International Potato Center is the mandated international organization for research and development in potato, sweetpotato and Andean roots. He highlighted that there is a high demand and consumption of potato in Ghana which is highly dependent on importation.
CIP has collaborated with the Ghana government and made significant contributions in the breeding and value chain development of the pro-Vitamin A rich orange-Fleshed Sweetptotato varieties in Ghana since the last 16 years. to intensify the research and development in the potato sector to ensure food security and foster economic growth. CIP, currently leading the Generating Revenues and Opportunities for Women to Improve Nutrition in Ghana (GROWING) project, funded by the Global Affairs Canada, strives to achieve in nutritional and financial security of women, young children and youth in Northern Ghana in collaboration with CARE International, Ghana Health Services and Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Hence, CIP will build upon its successful achievements in the research and development of sweetpotato varieties to collaborate with national and international partners towards advancing research and development of potato in Ghana.
This year International Day of Potato not only celebrated the potato's culinary and cultural dimensions but also highlighted the crucial role of small-scale and family farming in preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable agriculture. As the world continues to face challenges related to hunger and environmental sustainability, the potato remains a symbol of hope and resilience, feeding communities and nourishing dreams.
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