Potatoes are loved worldwide because they are easy to get, cheap, and simple to cook. They are used in many dishes like curries, fries, and fritters. French fries, a favorite snack around the world, are made from potatoes. Potatoes can grow in tough conditions, making them a great crop to cultivate.

This year, we will celebrate the first International Potato Day on May 30, which is a Thursday. The day aims to raise awareness about the nutritional value and importance of potatoes as a staple food.

In December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly decided that May 30 would be International Potato Day every year. Potatoes are one of the top five staple foods globally. This day highlights their significance from their origins in the Andean region to their global impact.

Potatoes are crucial for providing accessible and nutritious food, especially in rural areas with limited resources. They are also environmentally friendly, producing fewer greenhouse gases compared to other crops. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope,” showcasing the crop’s versatility and its role in supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Re-reported from the article originally published in Hindustan Times.