Original content
Kazakhstan's potato sector saw significant improvements in 2024, with a harvest of approximately 1 million metric tons (mmt) of potatoes, marking a recovery from the previous year. Wholesale prices remain stable at USD 0.23 to 0.30 per kilogram (kg), supported by well-stocked storage in regions like Pavlodar, Kostanay, Karaganda, and Akmola, ensuring consistent supply until early southern harvests. Export markets remain stable, with growing demand for chip and fry varieties from traditional destinations like Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan and increasing interest from Russia and Belarus. These trends are expected to shape planting strategies for 2025 as Kazakhstan continues to balance domestic needs with export opportunities.
Poland’s potato acreage has significantly declined in 2024, reflecting broader trends across Europe. In the post-war years, potatoes were a staple food, grown on nearly every farm, including small-scale operations not intended for the market. While potato cultivation has decreased throughout Europe, Poland has experienced the steepest decline, dropping from being the largest producer after the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) to trailing behind Germany and France. Despite the decline, Poland remains a strong potato producer by European standards.
Ukrainian potato prices have unexpectedly declined in W1 despite farmers' expectations of a holiday-driven increase. Currently, marketable potatoes are sold at USD 0.43 to 0.67/kg, averaging 12% week-on-week (WoW) lower due to weakened demand and stable imports. However, imported potatoes, often of bad quality, have also impacted the sales of local products. Despite this recent decline, Ukrainian farmers remain satisfied with prices, which are 41% higher year-on-year (YoY). This is attributed to adverse summer weather reducing yields and a gradual deterioration in stored product quality
In W1, wholesale potato prices in France remained unchanged WoW at USD 0.36/kg but increased 2.86% month-on-month (MoM). This rise is due to climate change-related challenges, which led to reduced yields and higher production costs. In 2024, heavy rainfall and flooding resulted in lower-quality tubers and increased disease pressure, significantly impacting crop yields. These factors have driven higher prices in the domestic market. Moreover, the demand for potatoes has surged, with consumption steadily growing, particularly in the potato chips sector. The European potato sector is preparing for a production decline in 2024, with forecasts predicting a harvest of 20.7 mmt, marking an 8.8% YoY decrease. This anticipated reduction in supply across Europe has further pushed prices upward.
In W1, potato prices in Pakistan increased by 3.57% WoW to USD 0.29/kg from USD 0.28/kg. It surged 88.58% YoY from USD 0.15/kg in W1 2024. This sharp YoY rise is mainly due to supply constraints caused by adverse weather conditions, such as unseasonal rains and temperature fluctuations, which reduced yields. Increased domestic demand for potatoes in both the food processing industry and household consumption has put further pressure on prices. Transportation challenges, including higher fuel costs and logistical bottlenecks, have also driven up distribution expenses, ultimately affecting retail prices. Furthermore, speculative trading in the market has contributed to artificial shortages, further pushing prices higher.
In W1, Egypt's wholesale potato prices decreased by 11.76% WoW, 16.67% MoM, and 47.36% YoY, reaching USD 0.15/kg. This decline is primarily due to increased supply from the Nile season harvest, which began in early Jan-25, leading to greater availability in local markets. Moreover, global competition has intensified, reducing Egypt's export demand, and further driving prices down. Mild winter weather has also supported higher yields, increasing supply in domestic markets and placing downward pressure on prices.
In Poland and Ukraine, improving storage facilities and supply chain logistics can help stabilize potato prices and reduce losses during the post-harvest phase. Upgrading storage infrastructure in regions like Podlaskie in Poland and Kyiv in Ukraine will ensure potatoes are preserved better, maintain quality for long periods, and allow strategic sales during peak demand periods. Enhanced supply chain efficiency, including cold storage and advanced distribution networks, will also help minimize transportation losses and reduce overall market volatility.
Poland and Ukraine should adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices due to weather challenges. Farmers in these countries should integrate precision farming technologies, such as weather forecasting, soil moisture sensors, and disease-resistant seed varieties, to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather. Disease-resistant varieties like Rosara, Innovator, and Satina can reduce the risk of common potato pathogens like Phytophthora infestans, which cause late blight–a key issue in regions experiencing frequent rainfall. Moreover, incorporating Agata and Lady Rosetta varieties can enhance resistance to viral diseases like Potato virus Y (PVY), aggravated by warmer temperatures. By adopting these advanced, climate-smart seed options, farmers can significantly improve productivity while minimizing losses due to diseases and unfavorable weather conditions. Furthermore, sustainable soil management practices, such as cover cropping and reduced tillage, and implementing drip irrigation systems can improve resilience to rainfall variability and ensure stable yields despite changing climatic conditions.
By tapping into new and emerging markets, Kazakhstan should focus on expanding its export markets beyond traditional destinations like Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This could involve forging trade agreements with countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, ensuring consistent demand for various potato types, including chip and fry varieties. Strengthening relationships with diverse international buyers will help stabilize export revenues and reduce dependency on a few key markets.
Sources: Tridge,AgroPortal.ua, Eastfruit, Farmer.pl
Read more relevant content
Recommended suppliers for you
What to read next
