Agricultural enterprises in Chita Municipal District have started digging up early potatoes, with 240 tons already harvested from 8 hectares, according to Marina Kuznetsova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Zabaikalsky Krai. The current average yield stands at 30 tons per hectare (300 centners/ha), a promising start before the mass harvest begins in early September.
Regional Potato Production Overview
This year, 603.5 hectares were planted with potatoes across key districts, including:
- Chita District (366 ha, 60% of total area)
- Aleksandrovo-Zavodsky
- Karymsky
- Baleysky
- Chernyshevsky
- Uletovsky
- Aginsky
- Mogoytuysky
The heavy concentration in Chita District highlights its role as the region’s potato hub.
Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Alongside potatoes, Zabaikalsky Krai’s greenhouse farms continue to deliver:
- 1,400 tons of vegetables produced so far
- 1,100 tons of cucumbers
- 300 tons of tomatoes
Challenges and Market Outlook
- Climate Factors: Early frosts and unpredictable weather in Siberia could still affect the full harvest.
- Storage & Logistics: Ensuring quality during storage and transportation will be critical for maintaining profitability.
- Price Trends: With Russia’s potato prices remaining volatile (50–80 RUB/kg in 2024), local farmers must balance supply with demand.
The early potato harvest in Zabaikalsky Krai shows strong initial yields, but the full season’s success depends on weather stability and post-harvest management. Farmers should monitor market trends and invest in storage solutions to maximize returns. Meanwhile, greenhouse production continues to supplement fresh vegetable supplies, diversifying the region’s agricultural output.
