September 13 2006, 09:08

Poltava producers can hardly sell tomato

A difficult situation is observed on Poltava oblast market; local producers find it problematic to sell harvested tomato. Supply is obviously exceeding demand. The excessive tomato supply on market is caused by several reasons. First of all, gross harvest has increased due to the extended cultivation areas and high tomato yield recorded this season. Poltava producers were able to achieve such results due to improved agricultural technologies, use of better quality seeds and due to good weather, of course. Second, large shipments of tomatoes are supplied from southern regions. Southern producers also deal with problematic sales; they deliver produce to other oblasts. Oblast processing enterprises have visibly reduced the volumes of tomato processing; practically, they do not purchase raw materials now.

At the present moment the more successful producers sell wholesale shipments of tomato for $0.11-0.13/kg. Wholesalers sell tomatoes for $0.15-0.19/kg on city market.