The United Nations is seeking photographers to 'capture the spirit of the spud' as part of a competition aimed at raising the profile of the humble tuber for International Year of the Potato.

The United Nations is seeking photographers to 'capture the spirit of the spud' as part of a competition aimed at raising the profile of the humble tuber for International Year of the Potato.

Photographers are invited to enter images in a contest to honour the root vegetable's role in fighting hunger and poverty, the UN food agency said Wednesday.

"Photographers who explore the world of the potato will find plenty of subject matter," said the Food and Agriculture Organisation's roots and tubers expert NeBambi Lutaladio.

The contest, part of events marking the International Year of the Potato, will help raise "global awareness of the potato's key contribution to agriculture, the economy and world food security," FAO said in a statement.

"Fostering improved potato-based systems (will) help countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals," the Rome-based agency said.

Photographers are challenged "to capture the spirit of the International Year in images that illustrate potato biodiversity, cultivation, processing, trade, marketing, consumption and utilisation," the statement said.

The potato is the world's number-four food crop after rice, wheat and maize, with annual production of more than 300 million tonnes in more than 100 countries, the FAO said.

Sponsored by Japanese camera maker Nikon, the contest has separate categories for professional and amateur photographers and will award prizes totalling 7,200 euros (11,000 dollars).

(Agencies)