August 29 2007, 08:56

Russia: yield of late potato variety may be lower than in 2006 in Central Federal Okrug

The specialists of CIS produce business periodical, "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" weekly inform that the active harvesting of late potato varieties starts early September in Central Federal Okrug. The opinions of the producers regarding the yield of this crop in the current 2007 comparing to the previous 2006 are controversial. Those producers, who irrigate potato fields, spoke about higher yield this year. At the same time, the owners of non-irrigated fields told us about the possible decline of the future harvest as a consequence of hot and droughty weather in May - June this year. If we take into account the fact that most part of potato is produced on non-irrigated fields in Central Federal Okrug, there is a great possibility for the average yield to decline this region.

Despite of various forecasts of the farmers regarding the potato yield, most producers are united to think that the start price for late potato variety will be on the level of the previous year, i.e. $0.19-0.23/kg. At the same time, the market players inform that the more accurate data regarding the yield of late potato variety will be available mid October when the majority of agricultural enterprises start harvesting potato.

The analysis of the situation and the perspectives of potato market in Russia will be in focus of attention during the second international conference "Fruit&Vegetable Business of Russia 2007" to be held October 23rd-25th 2007 on the territory of "Expocenter" in Moscow. If registered and paid for participation until September 10th, the company may save 1,750 RUR per each representative. We'd also like to point out that the national agricultural producers have the additional discounts!