El Niño and potatoes

This section brings together Potato News Today’s current and future coverage of El Niño and its consequences for potato production around the world. The articles examine how changing rainfall patterns, drought, extreme heat, flooding and other weather disruptions affect crop establishment, yields, tuber quality, irrigation demand, pest and disease pressure, harvesting and long-term storage.

Coverage will also consider the wider human and commercial effects—from mounting production risks for growers to changing regional supplies, processing requirements, market conditions and food security. Drawing on credible research, industry reporting and regional experience, this category will follow developments as they unfold and explore what they may mean for the global potato industry.

Strong El Niño puts potato storage economics under scrutiny in new NAPSO bulletin

The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) warns that the intensifying El Niño phenomenon could significantly impact potato storability, energy costs, and market returns post-2026 harvest. A recent bulletin merges climate assessments with potato-storage research, highlighting challenges from warmer temperatures and uncertain precipitation patterns. Essential factors for storage management include tuber condition, local weather, and monitoring variables such as bruising and moisture levels, influencing economic outcomes.

October 12, 2026

El Niño warning intensifies as India’s potato season approaches

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts nearly 100% probability that the current El Niño event will persist into early 2027, raising concerns for potato production in India amid a deepening monsoon deficit. While the impact of El Niño varies regionally, farmers may face increased irrigation needs and potential crop stress due to below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures, heightening production risks without confirming loss projections.

September 8, 2026

Drought, deluge and disease: How El Niño is reshaping the global potato outlook

The 2026-27 El Niño is rapidly intensifying, posing diverse threats to global potato production. Regions like India and Peru face risks from drought and flooding, while Europe experiences severe crop damage from heat and dryness, with uncertain attribution to El Niño. Each region’s unique climatic conditions necessitate careful monitoring of weather patterns and risk management strategies to mitigate agricultural stress and potential market disruptions.

September 2, 2026

Climate-resilient potato farming: Strategies for adapting to extreme weather conditions, drought, and unpredictable growing seasons

Potato farming is crucial for global food security, providing essential calories, especially in developing nations, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. With climate change threatening yields—by up to 30% by 2050—the need for resilient farming practices is urgent. Breeding heat-tolerant varieties, optimizing agronomic techniques, and applying technology like precision agriculture are vital strategies. Successful examples show the potential for increased yields and improved nutrition in affected communities, ensuring the crop’s sustainability.

March 29, 2025

Bracing for El Niño: Predicted weather changes set to disrupt Northern America

Scientists warn of a 90% chance of El Niño, an ocean-warming event, occurring in 2023 and possibly extending into 2024. This significant climatic event, capable of altering global weather patterns, could bring warmer weather and less rainfall to the northern U.S. and Canada. Rising sea surface temperatures could exacerbate El Niño’s impact, potentially affecting millions of lives worldwide.

May 17, 2023