In 2022, a shortage of table potatoes may begin in Russia – Kommersant

In 2022, a shortage of table potatoes may begin in Russia. This was stated by the chairman of the Union of Potato and Vegetable Market Participants Sergei Lupekhin at a meeting in the Ministry of Agriculture, transfers Kommersant. The main reasons are a decrease in production on personal subsidiary plots and an increase in processing capacities.

The expected decline in prices will not happen in the near future, say the participants in the meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture. The reason is an increase in demand from processors and an increase in the cost of potato production. According to Rosstat, in October, potatoes cost an average of 44.51 rubles. per 1 kg – 78.6% more than a year earlier. The agricultural firm “Slava Potato” notes that the deficit is also associated with low yields due to the drought this year. The increase in production can also be hampered by the lack of planting material.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in response to a request from Kommersant, said that in 2022 it is planned to spend 5 billion rubles on the development of vegetable growing, which, among other things, “will create the preconditions for increasing the volume of potato production”.