The potato harvest in Novosibirsk this year has become a topic of anticipation and concern for many local farmers. While the yield is reportedly strong, heavy rains have created complications, particularly in regions where potatoes have been submerged in water. Additionally, late blight (phytophthora) has further complicated the situation, with agronomists advising early harvesting to avoid further damage.
Mixed Harvest Results Across Regions
In the settlement of Chistoozernoye, local resident Tatyana Leskova reports a good crop, but the wet conditions have made digging up potatoes difficult. “The soil sticks to the shovel, and the tubers are very dirty,” she says. Tatyana has already harvested two early varieties, which are sufficient for winter storage and seed. However, her late-maturing variety remains in the ground, and she hopes the weather will improve enough to allow it to ripen before being harvested.
Similarly, in the Northern District, farmer Elena Yurkina has started harvesting on dry days, reporting an excellent yield with no signs of rot in her crop. However, she has heard from fellow villagers that rot has affected some plots, underscoring the patchy impact of the weather on different areas.
Meanwhile, Denis Movchan from the Dovolnoye District paints a bleaker picture. “I have a small plot of potatoes, and when I tried digging, I found that almost all of them had rotted due to the moisture,” Denis shares. He estimates that only 10% of his crop will be edible, and he expects to purchase potatoes from stores to meet his family’s needs.
In contrast, Tatyana Shiyan from Travnoye in the same district is more optimistic. Her family cultivates 2,000 square meters of potatoes, including both red and yellow varieties. “We traditionally harvest in the first half of September when the weather is dry,” she explains, expressing hope that good weather will allow the potatoes to dry quickly after digging. She plans to store them in both outdoor and indoor cellars.
Fellow Travnoye resident Alexander Tkachev is also satisfied with his crop, noting that despite unpredictable weather, his potatoes have turned out well. “We’ve already tried digging up a few, and they’re good quality,” he says, dismissing any major concerns for his household.
A Season of Uncertainty
The 2024 potato harvest in Novosibirsk is proving to be a season of mixed outcomes. In some areas, the yield is plentiful and unaffected by weather extremes, while in others, prolonged rains have led to significant rot and losses. Late blight remains a persistent threat, but many farmers are pushing ahead, choosing their harvesting days carefully to make the best of the situation.
Farmers like Tatyana Leskova are doing their best to salvage what they can before further damage sets in, while others, like Denis Movchan, have accepted that they’ll need to supplement their own harvests with store-bought potatoes. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment remains cautiously optimistic as farmers hope for a late burst of dry weather and a productive end to the season.
The 2024 potato season in Novosibirsk highlights both the resilience and vulnerability of farmers in the face of natural challenges. While weather conditions have varied significantly across regions, causing anything from bumper harvests to crop loss, farmers remain determined to make the most of their hard work. Their shared experiences illustrate the complex nature of farming, where weather can make or break an entire season. As they await clearer skies, these stories underscore the adaptability and persistence required to succeed in agriculture.
