Why are potatoes harvested?

Consumption: Potatoes are a staple food source for many people worldwide and serve as an important source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Harvesting potatoes ensures a steady supply of this nutritious vegetable for human consumption.

Storage: Potatoes can be stored for extended periods when appropriately harvested and kept in optimal conditions. Harvesting allows farmers to store potato tubers for future consumption or distribution.

Processing: A significant portion of the potato harvest goes into processing to produce various potato-based products such as potato chips, fries, flour, and starch. Harvesting provides the raw material for these industries.

Commercial sale: Harvested potatoes enter the commercial market, supplying grocery stores, restaurants, and other food establishments. As a valuable agricultural commodity, potato harvesting supports farmers' livelihoods and contributes to local and global economies.

Seed production: A portion of the potato harvest is set aside for seed production. Harvested tubers with desired traits and characteristics are saved and cultivated in the next planting season to maintain cultivar quality and disease resistance.