Farms in Bryansk region in western Russia had dug almost 500,000 tonnes of potatoes by mid-September 2026, according to Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The newspaper published a survey of the harvest in three regions of the Non-Black Earth zone on 29 September. The average yield in Bryansk was 321 centners per hectare, or 32.1 tonnes per hectare. The harvest covered 15,100 hectares, which is 41% of the plan. The region plans to collect more than 1.7 million tonnes this season.

According to the newspaper, agricultural enterprises and family farms in Bryansk grow potatoes on more than 37,000 hectares this year. With household plots, the total area is more than 52,000 hectares. The regional statistics office, Bryanskstat, gave a similar figure in August: 52,200 hectares, which is 2,200 hectares more than in 2025.

Bryanskstat data show that the region harvested 1,621,400 tonnes of potatoes in 2025. The average yield in all farm categories was 329 c/ha, and agricultural organisations reached 392 c/ha. Potato storage capacity in Bryansk region is more than 750,000 tonnes, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported.

Tula and Kaluga

In Tula region, potatoes grow on just under 20,000 hectares. The plan is to collect at least 650,000 tonnes. Farms sell potatoes at 14–15 roubles per kilogram. Farmers’ markets charge about 20 roubles, and shops charge from 35 roubles.

In Kaluga region, about 70% of potatoes grow on household plots, where the average yield is 227 c/ha. Vladimir Mazurov, director of the Kaluga Agricultural Research Institute, said there were long rains this year. He said yields were good on light soils and weaker on heavy soils. Wholesale prices in Kaluga start at 20 roubles per kilogram, and retail prices are about 34 roubles.

In Bryansk, potatoes at agricultural fairs cost from 20 roubles per kilogram. The average price in the region is 34 roubles.

Why it matters

Bryansk is one of the largest commercial potato regions in Russia. The area is larger than last year, and the yield so far is close to the 2025 level. If the plan is met, the region will harvest more than it did in 2025.

The survey also shows a wide gap between prices. Farms in Tula get 14–15 roubles per kilogram, while shops charge 35 roubles or more. Growers with good storage can hold potatoes and sell later in the season, when prices usually recover.

Photo: Potato harvest with a small walk-behind tractor (not Russia) (illustrative). User:Игоревич / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain