Voice1: We know that potatoes can grow in many different places. But potato plants are also able to succeed where other plants cannot. Potato plants grow quickly. They do not use a lot of land. And potato plants can grow in severe climates better than other crops can. Because of these things, experts believe that potatoes can help stop poverty in many communities.
Voice2: Potatoes also produce more food than other crops do. The UN says 85 percent of the potato plant is food that people can eat. Other crops do not produce that much. People can only eat about 50 percent of grain crops. What remains is waste.
Voice1: So, potatoes can grow many places worldwide. And they can feed the hungry. But they are also very healthy for people to eat! That is the third reason the UN wants people to know more about potatoes.
Voice2: As we said before, potatoes are full of carbohydrates. This makes them a good source of energy. But they are also a good source of protein. People can eat many kinds of tubers, similar to potatoes. But potatoes have more protein than these other kinds of roots or tubers. Potatoes also contain vitamin C and potassium. These substances are also necessary for a healthy body.
Voice1: Finally, the UN wants people to know more about potatoes because demand for these vegetables is growing! The UN has noticed a pattern in worldwide production of potatoes. In the last ten years world potato production has continued to increase. There seems to be no sign that this will change.