Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are the world's most widely grown tuber crop. The potato is a crop which has always been the ‘poor man’s friend’. Potato is being cultivated in the country for the last more than 300 years for vegetable purposes. It has become one of the most popular crops in this country. The high ranges of Kerala are suitable for its cultivation. Presently, the crop is being cultivated on a small scale in the rain shadow areas of Idukki district throughout the year. Potatoes are an economical food and is a source of low-cost energy in the human diet. Potatoes are a rich source of starch, vitamins especially C and B1 and minerals. They contain 20.6 per cent carbohydrates, 2.1 per cent protein, 0.3 per cent fat and 1.1 per cent crude fibre.