How did potatoes become such an important crop?

In the aftermath of the Great Chinese Famine, which took place from 1959 to 1961 and is regarded as one of the most devastating famines in history, China significantly increased its potato production. Cultivating potatoes is an effective strategy to address food insecurity and a crucial measure to prevent future famines.
By 1993, China emerged as a leader in global potato production, thanks to technological innovations, according to the research organization CGIAR. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that by 2004, the first organic potato production facility was established in Heilongjiang, with Wuchuan County currently being the largest organic potato producer in the country.
Potatoes have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, but their significance has grown as Western-style fast food restaurants become more prevalent. As noted by USA Today, many older Chinese individuals express fatigue with potatoes, having consumed them frequently in their youth, while some high-end chefs tend to view potatoes as "peasant food." Nevertheless, french fries have gained popularity, and new ways to incorporate potatoes into dishes are continually being explored. If you have them, you might as well make the most of them!
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