The Ministry of Agriculture commented on reports regarding the rising prices of potatoes. The agency stated that social media users mentioned a figure of 12,000 soms per kilogram.
During a market monitoring in the capital, ministry employees found that the average price for a kilogram of potatoes at the Food City market is 8,500 soms. In other markets, the price ranges from 9,000 to 10,000 soms, while at special fairs with reduced prices, it is sold for 5,000 to 6,000 soms.
Several factors influenced the price of potatoes, the ministry noted. The main reason cited was the insufficient harvest from areas that were reseeded in the fall.
Potatoes are planted twice a year: the winter (early) crop is harvested from April to July, and the summer crop is harvested in the fall months and consumed from November to April. In 2024, 1 million tons of potatoes were harvested from reseeded areas, which is 44% of the seasonal demand estimated at 1.7 million tons.
The Ministry of Agriculture also pointed out the increase in prices for seed tubers, fertilizers, fuel, and other materials. The costs for planting potatoes per hectare amount to 55,000 to 60,000 soms, which is 2 to 2.5 times higher than for other crops.
Since 2020, the price of potatoes has increased by 173%. During the same period, the price of potassium fertilizers rose by 175%, diesel fuel by 178%, electricity by 180%, and agrochemicals by 202%. Prices were also affected by the cancellation of VAT exemptions and the water use tax.
To lower prices, 9,900 tons of potatoes have been released from reserves, which total 245,600 tons. Additionally, Uzbekistan imported over 94,000 tons of vegetables from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Kyrgyzstan, and suppliers were allocated extra railway wagons to increase shipments.
The Ministry of Agriculture expects price stabilization for potatoes due to measures taken in February and March. With the start of sales in April for the new harvest, which will be gathered from 122,000 hectares, a seasonal price decrease is anticipated.
The agency also issued a statement regarding the detention at the border of a wagon carrying a batch of potatoes from Kazakhstan. This was explained by the need for phytosanitary control, during which technical errors were found in the cargo documents.
All issues have been fully resolved, emphasized the Ministry of Agriculture. The cargo has already arrived at the Chukursay railway station and is now being distributed among trading outlets.
Phytosanitary and logistical processes are under the control of the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that the population has access to affordable and quality products, the press service noted. The agency promised to take measures to prevent similar situations in the future.
Earlier, Spot reported that the president set a goal to achieve self-sufficiency in potatoes by 2027.