The potato harvest has ended in Egypt, reports Yassen Abdelhay of Arafa for Export and Agriculture Development. The export campaign continues with stocks from cold storage. According to the grower, "potato stock in Egypt are already limited."
After a global potato shortage last season, growers anticipated a significant increase in volumes this year due to a substantial increase in acreage. However, not everything went as planned. Yassen says, "limitations of imported potato seeds impacted national production, while brown rot (Ralstonia) affected exports to the EU."
Egypt imported slightly fewer potato seeds than the last 5-year average. Imported seeds reached 116 thousand tons, down from 144 thousand tons last season.
The challenges in production do not necessarily translate into stagnation of exports. Pending official statistics, Yassen assures, "There is a higher demand this year for potatoes, and Egyptian exporters have even expanded to new markets such as West Africa. The global market outlook appears promising for the upcoming year."
"Beyond the volumes, the value of exports is increasing this year with better prices than last season," adds the exporter. "There is intense local competition among major growers, but international competition is calmer since there is no other supply during our harvest season."
The grower reassures, "Planning is underway for the upcoming harvest season, due by December, with exports scheduled for the end of December or early January. Currently, we are preparing all necessary elements including land, seeds, and fertilizers, and spare no effort for a successful season ahead. This is our obligation to our global customer base."
For more information:
Yassen Abdelhay
Arafa for Export and Agriculture Development
Tel/WhatsApp: +201007244471
Email: [email protected]
www.linkedin.com/in/yassen-farouk
www.arafatrade.com