W17 Potato Update: India's Potato Prices Surged Due to Erratic Rainfall, Potato Planting Thrives in Russia's Bryansk Region, and Austria's Early Potato Planting and Climate Change Challenges

Published 2024년 5월 2일

In W17 in the potato landscape, potato prices in India have increased significantly due to erratic rainfall, with retail prices reaching USD 0.31/kg and wholesale prices rising by 11.44% MoM and 33.18% YoY. Potato planting in the Bryansk region of Russia is thriving, while the Canary Islands face challenges due to rising temperatures and limited water. Austria's early potato planting faces climate change challenges, while Italy's potato prices have risen to USD 0.86/kg in the 2023/24 season. Lastly, Scotland's seed potato sector faces challenges like Brexit, diseases, and climate change, requiring increased research and government support.

Increased Potato Prices in India Due to Erratic Rainfall in Apr-24

The Department of Consumer Affairs in India has reported a significant increase in retail and wholesale potato prices in Apr-24. Retail potato prices have risen by 10.18% month-on-month (MoM) and 32% year-over-year (YoY), reaching USD 0.31 per kilogram (INR 26/kg). Meanwhile, wholesale prices have also surged by 11.44% MoM and 33.18% YoY to USD 23.29/100 kg (INR 1,944/100 kg). This increase is attributed to a drop in output in major producing states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The Agriculture Ministry expects potato production to decrease to approximately 58.99 million tons in 2023/24, a decrease from 60.14 million tons the previous year.

Bryansk Region Farmers in Russia Cover 35% of Planned Area for Potatoes

Potato planting is thriving in the Bryansk region, with farmers planting potatoes on 10 thousand hectares (ha), 35% of the planned area, as of April 19, 2024. The Bryansk Regional Department of Agriculture reports that agricultural enterprises have sown spring crops on 85.4 thousand ha, 22% of the planned volume. Moreover, 47 thousand ha are dedicated to spring grains and leguminous crops, with wheat and barley covering 16.3 and 12 thousand ha, respectively.

Rising Temperatures and Limited Water Threaten Potato Yields in the Canary Islands

Potato producers in the Canary Islands face unprecedented challenges due to rising temperatures above 30°C, causing a 10 to 20% drop in yield. The potatoes are maturing early but are smaller due to unfavorable weather conditions. Limited irrigation water availability and persistent fog have also impacted crops, increasing production costs and a 50% rise in final prices since the pandemic began. However, short-term weather forecasts predict cooler temperatures and light rain, which may provide some relief to farmers.

Austria's Potato Planting Faces Climate Change Challenges in 2024

Due to warmer temperatures and drought in 2024, early potato planting in Austria is leading to local wines becoming available earlier. However, this presents challenges for potato cultivation, including increased pest pressure, risk to potato independence due to declining seed supplies, wireworm infestations, and the need to breed climate-resilient varieties and improve irrigation infrastructure.

Italian Potato Prices Soared to USD 0.86/kg in Positive 2023/24 Season

The 2023/24 season has been positive for Italian potatoes, with prices exceeding USD 0.86/kg for preserved Italian tubers. New products from Sicily and Puglia have been introduced. However, Cyprus has faced a potato shortage due to the potatoes' susceptibility to rot. On the other hand, the share of products from North Africa is increasing, particularly from Egypt. These products are known for their good quality tubers, which sometimes undergo summary processing. Meanwhile, French red-flesh potatoes have seen a slight increase in availability, with prices consistently higher than light-skinned tubers. Sicily leads Italy in new potato production, accounting for nearly half of the national output. Production in Sicily has remained stable at around 300 thousand metric tons (mt) over the last decade.

UK Report Warns of Challenges Facing Scotland's Seed Potato Sector

A recent report by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) highlights the importance of Scotland's seed potato sector in facing challenges like Brexit, diseases, and climate change. Despite a 71% decrease in fresh potato demand in the United Kingdom (UK) since the 1970s, Scotland's seed potato production still makes up 22% of the UK's total. The Scottish potato sector, with a farm gate value of around USD 307 million (GBP 245 million) from 2018 to 2020, contributed an estimated USD 635.9 million (GBP 507 million) to the economy and supported 2.8 thousand full-time jobs. However, the report also raises concerns about potential threats like potato cyst nematodes and climate change, stressing the need for increased research and government support to maintain high production standards and the sector's economic strength.