March 28 2006, 17:01

Considerable growth of carrot acreage can be expected in Cherkasy oblast

Carrot acreage growth can be expected in Cherkasy oblast in 2006, according to the information provided by Sergiy Strokan, the Market Information Specialist of Cherkasy office, Agricultural Marketing Project.

Past year gross carrot production was 6% less than in 2004 because of the lower yield. Still, the demand increased both from the side of processors and fresh market, so the price kept on a relatively high level during the wholesale season. Deficit on this commodity was observed in some cases. At the present moment retail price on quality carrot is 4-5 times higher than in the same period of time past year. As a result, the producers respond that acreage growth can be expected for this crop in 2006. The growth can be the most significant compared to the other vegetable crops, about 25-30%.

It is worth mentioning that carrot, as well as red beets is not a difficult crop in terms of production technology. If the weather is favorable, the situation 2004 will be likely to repeat this year (when the producers faced a problem to sell this crop).