The Russian potato growers lifted 6,6m tons of cultivars last year, according to Ministry of Agriculture of Russia data, lower than the spud sector planned (at least 7,15m tons of spuds). The quantity is smaller than the 6,8m tons of potatoes harvested in 2020.

The main reasons for the shortage are the unfavorable weather conditions, and also the emergency regime that was introduced in 16 regions of Russia this year. Also, the restrictions took their toll on harvest, on the quality of potatoes, as well aș on the cost of production and the level of provision of certain territories with vegetables and potatoes.

When it comes to prices, according to Potato System’s sources, the spud prices this season maintained an upward trend even during the main harvesting period, but by the beginning of November, the upward movement had stopped, with a slight decrease nowadays (by RUB2-3/kg), to an average level in the range of RUB27-30/kg depending on the region. This fact is explained by the launch of lots that are not suitable for long-term storage or are not provided with storage facilities.

Foreign Potatoes on Russian Shelves

During the height of mass harvesting (September-October), potatoes from Iran appeared on the shelves of Russian stores. Iranian potatoes can be now purchased in supermarkets in Moscow, and these products are quite competitive in terms of prices and quality with domestic ones, Potato System wrote.

Food potatoes are also imported to Russia from Belarus, but the volume of supplies is significantly lower than usual.

It is also noted that Ukrainian potatoes have entered the Russian market, but in small quantities: the country in the current season does not suffer from an overabundance of crop.