Russia Faces a Slight Decline in Potato Harvest for 2023
The 2023 potato harvest in Russia is projected to fall by roughly 300,000 tons compared with the previous year. This forecast emerged during a March 23 meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development. The disclosure was reported by the Vedomosti newspaper, which cited a source present at the event.
Vedomosti notes that the harvest in 2022 reached about 18.7 million tons, suggesting that 2023 could see a drop of around 1.6 percent. The figures reflect cautious expectations shared by ministry officials as they assess production dynamics across different farming sectors.
At the meeting, Deputy Minister Oksana Lut reportedly explained that the decline is expected to be most pronounced on plots managed by individual farmers. While industrial production may not reach previously planned volumes, the deputy minister indicated that domestic consumption should remain adequately supported to meet the needs of the population.
The ministry’s press service stated that the organized sector planted area in 2023 was 301,900 hectares, up from 2022’s 305,000 hectares. This shift in sown area is part of broader attempts to balance output with demand and to sustain supply chains for potato processing industries and retailers.
Earlier in the year, Vedomosti highlighted a marketing challenge faced by potato producers in Russia, who reported difficulties in moving their products to market. This issue underscores the pressure on both growers and distributors as they navigate price fluctuations, storage considerations, and regional supply variations. (Vedomosti, reporting from the ministry briefing and participant discussions)
Experts observe that while the overall harvest may dip, the domestic market remains a key driver of activity. Post-harvest activities, including storage, quality control, and regional distribution, will likely shape the availability of potatoes across cities and rural areas. The ministry’s assessment suggests a careful balancing act between production levels and consumption needs, with policy focus on sustaining farmer incomes and ensuring reasonable access to this staple for households nationwide. (Vedomosti)