The Smolensk Region has planted potatoes on 1,050 hectares, reaching nearly 60% of its target — a 10% increase compared to the same period last year, according to regional authorities. As of May 26, five municipal districts — Vyazemsky, Yelninsky, Ershichsky, Ugansky, and Khislavichsky — have fully completed their potato planting. In total, 8,600 hectares have been allocated for potatoes and vegetables in the region this year, matching 2025 levels. Vegetable crops alone now cover 41 hectares, more than double the pace of the previous year.
Neighboring Vitebsk Region in Belarus has set aside over 2,000 hectares for potatoes, with 1,823 hectares already planted as of mid-May — 101% of last year’s figure. Across Belarus, planting was 98% complete by May 22. Key varieties include the Belarusian “Skarb,” as well as “Colombo,” “Nara,” “Gala,” “Yuliya,” and the industrial-grade “Innovator.” In Smolensk, farmers favor drought- and pest-resistant “Gala” and the red-skinned “Red Scarlet.” Last year, Smolensk’s average potato yield reached 252.4 centners per hectare, while Vitebsk farmers aim for 300 centners this season.
