Turkey's place in world potato production, export markets, the weight of Niğde and Kayseri, and the greening risk in storage.
According to FAO data, Turkey harvested roughly 5.7 million tons of potato in 2023, ranking 13th in world production (about 1.5% of global output); TÜİK's own domestic estimate for 2024 points to roughly 6.9 million tons, a 21.1% jump. According to a 2025 report by TEPGE (the research institute of Turkey's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry), fresh potato exports reached 284,134 tons in the 2024/25 marketing year (July-June).
| Market | 2024/25 Export Share |
|---|---|
| Syria | 34.8% |
| Azerbaijan | 23.1% |
| Iraq | 19.1% |
| UAE | 4.1% |
| Iran | 3.1% |
Niğde's leadership, Central Anatolia's weight
According to the same TEPGE report, Niğde led national production in 2024 with 915,734 tons (a 13.3% share), followed by Kayseri, Konya, and Afyonkarahisar, with Nevşehir also holding a significant share. These five provinces form the backbone of our supply network, while the warm climate of the Adana and Hatay plains enables early, "turfanda" harvests, keeping supply available year-round. For the supply corridor we share with onion, see our onion export guide.
Quality classification
In line with the UNECE marketing standard for early and ware potatoes (FFV-52), potatoes ship in two quality classes — Class I and Class II — calibrated by diameter; this standard is distinct from a separate certification scheme for seed potatoes (UNECE S-1). The full caliber table is on our potato product page.
Two storage risks: light and moisture
After harvest, tubers are cured at around 15°C and 95% humidity for 8 days to harden the skin; once cured, they can be stored for up to 5 months at 4°C and 95-98% humidity. Potatoes exposed to light turn green and can develop solanine, a toxic compound, which is why dark storage is essential; storage at 4-7°C in the dark both delays sprouting and limits unwanted cold-induced sweetening.
For current harvest and supply status, see our Seasonal Calendar; for variety and packaging detail, our potato product page; and for the export process, our Export page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Turkey's main potato export markets?
According to TEPGE's 2025 report, Syria (34.8%), Azerbaijan (23.1%), and Iraq (19.1%) are the leading export markets in the 2024/25 marketing year; the UAE and Iran are other significant markets.
Which province produces the most potato in Turkey?
According to TEPGE data, Niğde led national production in 2024 with 915,734 tons, roughly 13.3% of national output, followed by Kayseri, Konya, and Afyonkarahisar.
Why should potato be stored in the dark?
Potatoes exposed to light turn green and can develop solanine, a toxic compound, so dark, 4-7°C storage conditions are necessary for both safety and quality.
