Analysis of potato growing in Czechoslovakia with an emphasis on ware potatoes and starch production in the period 1918–1928

The submitted diploma thesis deals with the issue of the potato industry in Czechoslovakia in the period 1918–1928. The chosen hypothesis is that in the monitored period, potato growing and the potato industry, specifically starch production, were essential for the Czechoslovak economy and at the same time for ensuring the nutrition of the population. Progressive, direct and indirect methods were used to examine, verify the hypothesis and answer partial research questions. In the case of examining statistical indicators, the quantitative method was used. Furthermore, the method of legislative analysis was used in the case of an examination of administrative regulations. The research of the given issue confirmed the chosen hypothesis and answered partial research questions. The potato industry was a very important part of the Czechoslovak economy, and in case of state interventions, the nutrition of the population was always a priority for the entire monitored period, i.e. ware potatoes. Among main actors in the potato industry, the state and the Central Union of Potato Growers, which became the centre of the potato industry itself, had the greatest influence. The examined relations between the individual actors of the potato industry were highly variable and it is not possible to evaluate them in general. However, these relationships, their variability and their very essence are clear evidence of the diversity and dynamism of the potato industry.