ABSTRACT
Agricultural research and extension programs should respond to national development needs; in general terms, these are growth, equity, and food security. Potato research and extension programs warrant special attention from policymakers because many requirements for success are different from those for programs in other crops, the potential benefits of potato programs are greater than often realized, and potato programs have received little attention to date. A country’s agricultural research and extension priorities should reflect its growth, equity, and food security goals. Perfect congruence requires that the budgets for each program be in proportion to the value of production of the respective commodities. The importance of correctly assessing the constraints to potato production and use can scarcely be overstated. The share of labor in total potato production costs tends to decline as economies develop and the relative importance of fertilizer, pesticides, and equipment grows. Pesticide use on potatoes has grown rapidly, particularly in areas with warm climates.
