China: Potato production set to rise

These low yields are attributed to the low-quality of seed potatoes and a relatively high incidence of disease. Potato late blight may reduce yield and quality, and has been one of nthe most devastating potato diseases in China. Potato late blight occurrences are more frequent and severe in the south than in the north, due to heavier rainfall and longer rainy season.

In addition to chemical control, application of virus (blight) free seed potatoes is another measure being used to combat late blight. However, virus free seed potatoes only account for 20 percent of total seed potato used in China, due to their relatively higher prices.

Fresh Potatoes

China’s MY2016/17 fresh potato production, is forecast at 100 million metric tons (MMT), about a three percent increase from the estimated 97 MMT in MY2015/16, due to an expansion of potato acreage and normal weather conditions in major producing areas, especially in north China.

Industry sources attribute potato acreage expansion to a decline in corn acreage. China’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) estimated in late July 2016 that China’s 2016 corn acreage declined about two million hectares, due to very high corn stocks. Sichuan, Gansu, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Inner Mongolia are the largest potato producing provinces in China, accounting for about 60 percent of China’s total fresh potato production.

Consumption

The majority of China’s fresh potatoes are used for table consumption. Industry contacts estimate 60 percent of Chinese potatoes are consumed fresh in households and restaurants. The processing sector consumes about 15 percent, about 10 percent are used for seed potatoes, and losses in storage can be as high as 15 percent. Industry sources believe the share of processing potatoes will increase in the long-term, with the increased development of potato products.

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