August 2 2007, 11:10

Ukrainian market observes deficit for squash for the first time in three recent years

Squash is one of a few vegetable crops, which have never enjoyed a considerably increased demand from the side of processors in the period of the rush development of Ukrainian canneries. The specialists believed, the main reason was the decreased demand for canned squash and squash paste. As a result, the purchase price for this product seldom increased higher than $ 0.02-0.03/kg in 2005-2006; so, many producers reduced squash cultivation areas. Moreover, only those producers could sell squash to the cannery who had already supplied cucumber and/or tomato there.

Despite of the further decline of the processors' demand for this raw material, a certain deficit for squash is observed this season in many regions. According to information provided by the specialists of CIS produce business periodical, ""Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" weekly", the decrease of squash production is mostly predetermined by heat. Many farmers see vegetation to stop and plantings to die even in the central regions of Ukraine.

We'd like to remind that an updated table containing information about the vegetables purchased by Ukrainian canneries and the requirements to raw material supplies are published in each issue of ""Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" weekly".