Farmers in Bukovyna, Ukraine have started planting potatoes, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions. According to the Chernivtsi Regional Administration, early-season Riviera potatoes are planted under agrofiber in Vyzhnychchyna farms.
The region's annual potato production exceeds 650,000 tons, while vegetables yield over 250,000 tons. This year, planting areas are expected to remain at last year's level: 35,900 hectares for potatoes and 14,600 hectares for vegetables and melons. Household farms dominate production, accounting for 99.7% of total plantings in the region.
Authorities predict mass planting of potatoes and vegetables in open fields will begin between late March and early April.
Meanwhile, one of the farms under the PAEK agricultural group has already started planting potatoes. According to Yurii Kormyshkin, owner of the agri-holding, planting began two weeks earlier than usual under agrofiber. The seeds were pre-germinated in greenhouses to ensure a strong start.
The PAEK group continues its vegetable planting campaign, with carrots and onions now being sown. Kormyshkin noted that planted areas have significantly increased this season, and harvesting will be fully mechanized. He also confirmed that last year's entire crop had already been sold.
Additionally, the company has planted early cabbage, covering it with film to protect against temperature fluctuations and ensure healthy crop development. The popular "Mykolaivska" cabbage will be available in early May.
Vegetable products from PAEK farms are marketed under the TM Smakota brand. The company has also been involved in protected-ground vegetable cultivation for two years, establishing a network of 20 greenhouses—17 in Voznesensk and 3 in de-occupied Snihurivka. PAEK's greenhouse production this season includes tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini.
In the Ternopil region, vegetable farming is also gaining popularity. This year, the region plans to expand the area for potatoes and vegetables to 54,700 hectares and 11,800 hectares, respectively.
Source: agroportal.ua / www.ukrinform.ua