Ukraine faces severe potato shortage amid falling yields

Potato yields in Ukraine have dropped significantly this year, falling from the usual 35–60 tons/ha to just 15–25 tons/ha, leading to a product shortage, according to local reports. Although western regions like Lviv and Volyn have reported higher yields, their production cannot cover the country’s demand.

The decline is attributed to adverse weather conditions, including a cold spring and a dry autumn, as well as inadequate modern storage facilities, which make it difficult to preserve the harvest. Energy shortages and rising material costs have added to the pressure on the market.

As a result, imports of high-quality potatoes have surged by 90% compared to 2023, with Poland and other European nations serving as key suppliers. Prices have risen to 0.50 EUR/kg and could climb to 1.37 EUR/kg by April due to dependency on imports and logistical costs.

Local producers estimate prices may reach 0.69 EUR/kg by February 2025. However, experts caution that the shortage could lead to an influx of lower-quality potatoes dominating the market.

Improving storage infrastructure is a potential solution to the crisis. Yet, Ukraine currently lacks facilities to store over 1.5 million tons of potatoes, while energy disruptions hinder the efficiency of existing units.

The potato market remains unpredictable, with further price hikes expected. Investments in modern storage systems, irrigation technologies, and energy solutions are essential to stabilize the sector and ensure future sustainability.

source: kurkul.com

photo: fruit-ukraine.org