Potato farming remains profitable only with guaranteed sales of the harvest
The owner of STOV “Desna,” Mykola Ponomarenko, has been engaged in the cultivation of seed and table potatoes for over 15 years. According to him, the area allocated for potatoes in the farm has significantly decreased in recent years: while previously around 500 hectares were dedicated to the crop, in 2024 the area has reduced to 180 hectares, and in 2025 it is planned to sow 200 hectares.
This is reported by AgroReview
Guaranteed sales are the main condition for farmers
Mykola Ponomarenko emphasizes that effective potato farming is only possible with confidence in the sale of the harvested crop. The ability to sell the product determines the feasibility of growing potatoes on an industrial scale.
“When I planted potatoes, I knew I had a contract with Moldova, where I am currently sending 1800 tons. I see no point in growing more, only to compete with other producers during the season who are rushing to sell their harvest. They are selling because there is an oversupply of potatoes this season. Producers lack proper storage conditions, so now everyone is selling, and there is no price for it,” the farmer said.
Price situation in the potato market
According to Mykola Ponomarenko, he manages to sell potatoes at a price of 12 UAH/kg, which is higher than the average market rate of 8-10 UAH/kg. This is made possible by his long-standing reputation and the stable quality of the product, which is valued by partners. At the same time, a significant portion of producers is forced to sell their harvest immediately after collection due to limited storage capabilities, which negatively affects the price.
The director of PP “Impac,” Serhiy Malinovsky, notes that in recent years many new players have entered the industry, who, lacking experience, are driving down potato prices. Additionally, the rising price of potatoes encourages the population to grow them in their own gardens, further increasing supply and lowering market value. On the other hand, the rise in prices in the domestic market leads to the import of potatoes from European and Asian countries, which also puts pressure on prices. Thus, industrial producers find it difficult to consistently obtain a profitable price for their products.