With the arrival of autumn, experts in the Kostanay region have noted that prices for a range of vegetables normalized. The Stabilization fund is actively procuring vegetables by entering into contracts with local producers and those from southern regions.
During the summer and spring, vegetables were imported from the Turkestan region and Tajikistan, and this set onion prices at €0.20 per kilogram and potatoes at €0.23.
"This week, we have fresh carrot harvest available for €0.35. As for cabbage, we are expecting a local harvest from our agricultural producers, and once that is available, we will announce the prices in local retail outlets," said Aybek Temirbekov, Director of the Department at Tobol.
Kostanay vegetable growers are not ready to discuss final prices, citing difficulties in the harvesting process, which was delayed by two weeks compared to the original plan. Additionally, inclement weather is preventing them from working effectively in the fields. If early frosts occur along with the precipitation, it will further complicate the situation and hurt vegetable prices. Even a good harvest under these circumstances may be lost. Expenses for harvesting and processing vegetables for storage have doubled this year, noted the head of the Terra farming enterprise.
"This year, the most critical factor is the Russian ruble, affecting vegetable producers, as in terms of tenge, our neighboring country's potatoes will be cheaper. Consequently, this inexpensive potato will enter our market and will keep prices in check for Kazakhstani producers," said Vladimir Semeykin, Director of Terra.
Currently, the Stabilization fund has 4,000 tons of potatoes, 900 tons of carrots, 940 tons of cabbage, and 665 tons of onions. According to specialists, this is currently sufficient to provide residents of the Kostanay region with affordable vegetables.
Source: alau.kz