Nation food security and rural income look to potatoes

To cement national food security and bolster rural income, the potato was thrust into the spotlight.

While addressing a news conference on Friday, Tang Ke, an official overseeing farm produce trade at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said that potatoes, which are the fourth widely planted food crop in China, can adapt to a variety of environments and can be planted widely.

Besides, the crop is rich in nutrients and serves as the centerpiece of a sprawling processing industry.

"The properties combined have made it a crucial tool to strengthen national food security and help raise farmers' income," he said.

"Small potatoes have morphed into a massive industry."

Tang, director of the ministry's market and information technology department, took the opportunity to advertise the 14th Dingxi Potato Expo, an annual event held in the namesake city in Gansu province since 2008 by the local government in partnership with the agricultural ministry.

The landlocked city was once home to some of China's most intractable poverty, but has reinvented itself as a major growing area for potatoes and a processing hub for related products.

This year's expo will take place from Sept 15 to 17 to showcase new technologies, products and innovations, and will feature a mix of events such as forums and investment promotion meetings.

He said the event hosted in the less well-off western part of the country is a crucial platform to showcase potato-themed products, conduct trade negotiations and strike business deals with the world.

"It has strongly advanced the healthy development of China's industrial chains centering on potatoes," Tang said.