Recent discussions among farmers and agronomists in Kuzbass have highlighted a recurring issue: the inability to store locally grown potatoes and vegetables beyond April. According to the regional Ministry of Agriculture, climatic conditions and storage limitations force producers to rely on imported vegetables from southern regions and other countries for nearly half the year.
Why Can’t Local Potatoes Last Longer?
The Ministry of Agriculture of Kuzbass explains that under ГОСТ (State Standard) 28372-93, potatoes can be stored for 6-8 months with proper refrigeration, but natural conditions in the region make this difficult. In 2024, excessive rainfall in late August and early September led to waterlogged soils, delaying harvest and damaging crops. As a result, much of the yield was lost to rot or “suffocation” (lack of oxygen in waterlogged soils), reducing available stocks.
Globally, advanced storage technologies—such as controlled atmosphere (CA) storage and ethylene inhibitors—extend shelf life significantly. For example, the Netherlands and Germany maintain potato quality for up to 10-12 months using modern facilities. However, Kuzbass lacks widespread access to such infrastructure.
Land Use and Agricultural Revival Efforts
The regional government claims that 20,000 hectares of fallow land are reintroduced annually, with plans to restore 150,000 hectares by 2030. Yet, farmers like “Anatoly” argue that more support is needed—subsidies for storage facilities, investor incentives, and research into resilient crop varieties could help.
Economic Viability: Local vs. Imported Produce
Many residents lament the shift from locally grown vegetables to imports, citing poor taste and higher costs. However, as in much of Europe, it is often cheaper to import than to invest in high-cost local storage solutions.
Bridging the Gap for Food Security
Kuzbass faces a critical choice: continue relying on imports or invest in modern storage, drought/flood-resistant crops, and policy reforms. Without intervention, the region risks further agricultural decline.
