In Sumy Region, the price of potatoes has halved due to a record harvest
This year, the price of potatoes in the Sumy region has turned out to be almost half of last year’s, a result of the high harvest. Sellers at local markets note that the current price per kilogram of potatoes ranges from 6 to 15 hryvnias, depending on the variety and size. In comparison, last year the price remained around 30 hryvnias per kilogram.
This is reported by AgroReview
Significant yield increase despite reduced acreage
The majority of the potato harvest in Sumy comes from small farmers and households, which account for over 99% of the total yield. The director of the regional department of agricultural development, Oleksandr Maslak, points out that despite the reduction in sown areas—from 43,000 hectares last year to less than 41,000 hectares this year—the yield has significantly increased. The total gross potato harvest this year reached 750,000 tons.
“Last year, according to official statistical observations, the yield was 152 quintals per hectare, and this year it is 15% higher. Prices have decreased compared to last year, both in wholesale and retail markets. In retail, potatoes can be purchased at prices ranging from 13 to 15 hryvnias per kilogram. The wholesale price is 11-12 hryvnias per kilogram. The purchasing prices for producers—typically small-scale producers and households—are around 8 hryvnias per kilogram. In comparison, last year’s prices were 2, and in some cases 2.5 times higher,” says the official.
Potato price dynamics and forecasts
Vitaliy, one of the sellers at the market, notes that the final price formation for potatoes will occur in November-December, when the main sales period concludes. Currently, many are not storing the harvest in cellars but are selling it immediately after harvesting.
Oleksandr Maslak notes that further price reductions for potatoes are not expected, but a sharp increase in prices is also not forecasted. Thus, the market situation remains stable against the backdrop of high yields and sufficient supply.