Potatoes are an important crop, especially in China, where they are a key part of the food supply. China is the world’s biggest producer of potatoes, and they are important for food security because they produce more food than other crops. However, climate change is becoming a big problem for potato farming. A research team led by Li Jieping, a scientist in Beijing, found that warmer temperatures expected by the end of the century could lower potato harvests. The team grew potatoes in northern China at a temperature 3°C higher than normal. They found that although the potatoes grew faster, the amount of potatoes harvested was cut in half, which could affect food security worldwide.

This is concerning because higher temperatures can make plants grow faster, increase diseases, and reduce potato harvests. Researchers are looking for solutions like growing potatoes with less water and creating heat-resistant varieties. Farmers are also being told to plant earlier or move to higher altitudes. Since temperatures may rise by 3.1°C by 2100, it is important to act now to keep potato production stable. If not, potato prices may go up, affecting both farmers and consumers worldwide.