June 8 2006, 15:27

Cherkasy farmers extend tomato acreage up to 20% this year

According to the survey conducted among tomato producers in Cherkasy oblast, the acreage of this crop will grow up to 20% in the region. Sergey Strokan, the Market Information Specialist of Cherkasy office, Agricultural Marketing Project, provided this information to "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal. It's a logical consequence, as past season was successful for professional tomato producers: the demand was stable both from the side of processors and fresh market. Due to significantly less transportation expenses the local produce is quite competitive comparing to the products of Southern origin.

If weather favors tomato production this year, tomato supply will grow on local fresh market, and consequently the prices will go down comparing to the previous year. Major local producers mostly operate on fresh market.

At present moment those tomatoes are blooming and forming fruits which were produced out of transplants. Tomatoes, directly sowed to the ground, have already been in the stage of 2-4 real leaves. It is worth mentioning that cool temperature has been observed several recent weeks, and it negatively influences tomato growth and vegetation. However, tomato plantings are in satisfactory condition in the whole.