Ministry of Agriculture announces expected drop in potato prices

Recently, reports circulating on social media have indicated that potato prices have risen to 12,000 sums. The Ministry of Agriculture has addressed these concerns, providing clarification on the situation.

According to monitoring data, the average price of 1 kg of potatoes at the Food City farmers' market in Tashkent is currently 8,500 sums, with a range between 7,500 sums and 9,000 sums. Additionally, discounted trade fairs across the regions are offering potatoes at prices between 5,000 and 6,000 sums.

The prices of potatoes in major Tashkent markets are as follows:
- Aviation, Kuylyk, Mirabad, and Yunusabad markets: 9,000 soums
- Sergali, Farkhod, Chilonzor, Eski Zhuva, Karakamysh, Askiya, and Aloy markets: 10,000 soums

Several factors have contributed to the recent price increase. For instance, the replanted potato areas did not yield sufficient crops. In 2024, 1 million tons of potatoes were harvested, but the demand for the November-April period is 1.7 million tons, meaning the current supply meets only 44% of the demand. Additionally, the cost of seeds, fertilizers, fuel, and other resources for replanting has risen. The cost to plant 1 hectare of potatoes has increased to 55-60 million sums, which is 2-2.5 times more expensive than planting other crops.

Production costs have surged in recent years. Over the past four years, the price of potatoes has increased by 173%, while nitrogen fertilizers have risen by 173%, potassium fertilizers by 175%, chemicals by 202%, diesel fuel by 178%, mechanization services by 170%, and electricity by 180%. The introduction of water taxes and VAT from last year has also contributed to the rise in prices.

The global potato market has also seen price increases. In Kazakhstan, 2.9 million tons of potatoes were produced in 2024, an 80% decrease compared to 2023. In Russia, the reduction of potato-growing areas by 33.9 thousand hectares led to a yield decline of 1.4 million tons. As a result, the average price of potatoes in Russia rose by 22-23 rubles in October 2024, marking a 1.5-fold increase from previous prices.

To stabilize potato prices, the Ministry has implemented several measures:
- 245.6 thousand tons of potatoes have been placed into reserve.
- 9.9 thousand tons of potatoes have been released into the market.
- Discounted fairs are currently selling potatoes for 4,000-4,500 sums.
- Additionally, 94.2 thousand tons of potatoes have been imported from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Iran, with ongoing efforts to resolve transport issues. The opening of the Saryk Pass and the allocation of additional railway cars have helped increase imports.

The Ministry plans several initiatives to further reduce potato prices. For the 2025 harvest, potatoes will be planted on 122 thousand hectares, and a new crop is expected to be available by April-May. As a result, potato prices are anticipated to stabilize in February-March and decrease further in April-May.

It is also worth recalling that the Ministry of Agriculture previously addressed the 13% price increase in potatoes over a one-month period.