1. Weekly News

Europe

European Potato Planting Advances Despite Dry Weather Concerns in NEPG Region

The European Commission (EC) reported strong progress in potato planting across the North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) region throughout Apr-25, with fieldwork advancing well in Germany and the Netherlands thanks to dry conditions since late Feb-25, and favorable Mar-25 weather also supporting planting in France and Poland. However, the EC warned that ongoing rainfall deficits had reduced soil moisture in key areas like Poland, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, raising concerns about crop emergence and early development. In contrast, excessive rainfall delayed planting in Portugal and Spain, while cold temperatures and early Apr-25 frosts disrupted fieldwork in Romania. Reports indicate that the Netherlands and Spain have increased their planted areas compared to 2024. Market players share the EC’s concern about how persistent dry weather could affect potato growth and yields later in the season. Although planting is largely completed, the industry anticipates an earlier harvest across the NEPG region.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s Surge in Chinese Potato Imports Sparks Food Security Debate

In early 2025, Kyrgyzstan drastically increased its potato imports from China, sparking concerns over domestic food security and rising dependence on foreign produce. According to China’s General Administration of Customs, Kyrgyzstan imported 34,500 metric tons (mt) of potatoes in Q1-2025, nearly 500 times more than the total imported throughout 2024. During a parliamentary session on May 14, a Member of Parliament (MP) sharply criticized the government for failing to secure domestic food supplies, urging the authorities to proactively prepare for the following agricultural season amid possible water shortages and escalating climate risks. This surge in imports comes as potato prices in Kyrgyzstan have risen sharply. The National Statistical Committee reported a 0.4% month-on-month (MoM) price increase in Mar-25 alone and a cumulative rise of 38% since Dec-24, making potatoes one of the fastest-growing food expenses in the country.

India

India’s Potato Industry Faces Growth Opportunities Amid Climate and Mechanization Challenges

India, the world’s second-largest potato producer as of 2023, has transformed its industry through advancements in varietal development and infrastructure. Rising domestic demand for processed products like French fries and potato chips has attracted local and international investments. However, the industry faces key challenges, including climate change impacts, post-harvest losses, labor shortages, and limited mechanization, which constrain productivity. Despite these hurdles, India has the potential to become a regional exporter of processed potato products, but realizing this goal requires coordinated action from stakeholders to adopt precision agriculture, digital technologies, and sustainable practices. To secure its future competitiveness, the sector must invest in climate-resilient varieties, modernize mechanization, and optimize post-harvest handling.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Potato Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Potato Pricing Important Exporters (W19 2024 to W19 2025) 

France

In W19, potato prices in France held steady week-on-week (WoW) at USD 0.35 per kilogram (kg) but dropped 28.57% year-on-year (YoY) due to several contributing factors. Cold storage operators released more potatoes into the market, increasing the available supply. Favorable weather in southern regions like Provence and Occitanie enabled farmers to begin harvesting new-season potatoes earlier than usual. This influx of fresh supply and reduced demand from processors with sufficient inventory exerted downward pressure on prices. Moreover, the market experienced a general slowdown during the transition from stored to fresh potatoes, further driving the decline.

Germany

In W19, Germany's wholesale potato prices remained unchanged WoW at USD 0.68/kg but showed a 3.03% MoM increase. This MoM rise was primarily due to the limited availability of early-season potatoes from the 2025 harvest, as cooler-than-usual spring temperatures slightly delayed crop development and harvesting in key regions. Although new crops have begun entering the market, volumes remain insufficient to meet steady demand from both the fresh consumption and processing sectors.

Pakistan

In W19, potato prices in Pakistan remained stable WoW and MoM at USD 0.15/kg but dropped 40% YoY. Active harvesting in Punjab, the key production region, flooded the market with fresh supplies. Many farmers expanded their planting areas, encouraged by strong returns from the previous season, while favorable weather boosted yields. Stable input costs for fertilizers and fuel eased financial pressures, allowing farmers to stay profitable despite lower prices. On the demand side, reduced export interest kept more potatoes in the domestic market, and improvements in the internal distribution system helped efficiently move products to key consumption areas, maintaining balanced market conditions.

Egypt

In W19, Egypt's potato prices declined 7.69% WoW and 52% YoY, reaching USD 0.12/kg. This significant price drop was mainly due to an abundant supply from the 2025 harvest. Favorable weather conditions in key growing regions such as the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt contributed to increased yields, with production estimated at around 3.5 million metric tons (mmt) for the 2025 season, up 8% YoY. The ample availability of fresh potatoes entering the market has put downward pressure on prices. Furthermore, lower export demand from traditional markets in the Gulf and Europe has reduced external sales volumes, keeping more stock in the domestic market and further suppressing prices.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Enhance Water Management and Soil Moisture Monitoring in Key European Growing Regions

The EC's report highlights persistent dry conditions in crucial potato-producing areas like Poland, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, which could impair crop emergence and development. Farmers and regional agricultural authorities should invest in advanced water management systems to mitigate risks of water stress and maximize yields under these conditions. This includes installing precision soil moisture sensors and weather monitoring stations to optimize irrigation scheduling and reduce water waste. Adoption of drought-resistant potato varieties and mulching techniques can help retain soil moisture. Moreover, collaborative water resource management among farmers could ensure equitable water distribution during shortages. These proactive measures will support healthy crop establishment, safeguard yields, and reduce vulnerability to the increasing variability of rainfall patterns linked to climate change.

Strengthen Domestic Production Capacity and Supply Chains in Kyrgyzstan to Reduce Import Dependence

Kyrgyzstan’s dramatic spike in potato imports from China signals urgent food security concerns and growing dependency on foreign supplies. To address this, Kyrgyzstan’s government, private sector, and farming communities should prioritize revitalizing and expanding local potato production. This can be achieved by improving seed quality through access to certified, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient potato varieties, alongside providing training in modern agronomic practices. Strengthening rural infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities, and cold chains, will reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access. Moreover, implementing early warning systems for weather and water availability can help farmers plan better for adverse conditions. This multifaceted approach will help stabilize domestic supply, reduce price volatility, and improve food security in the medium to long term.

Accelerate Adoption of Mechanization and Digital Technologies in India’s Potato Sector

In capitalizing on its potential as a regional exporter, Indian stakeholders must accelerate investment in mechanization technologies such as automated planting, harvesting machines, and digital monitoring tools. Precision agriculture technologies, drones for crop health monitoring, Artificial Intelligence (AI) based yield forecasting, and Internet of Things (IoT) enabled irrigation systems can help optimize inputs and reduce losses. Digital platforms for market information and supply chain coordination will empower farmers to make informed decisions, connect directly with processors, and access timely financing and insurance products. Government, private sector, and research institutions should collaborate to facilitate training and demonstrations of new technologies, ensuring that smallholders and large producers can adopt innovations efficiently. This modernization will boost productivity, reduce costs, and improve the quality and competitiveness of Indian potatoes in both domestic and international markets.

Sources: Tridge, Fresh Plaza, Hort News