Potato harvest in Latvia may come one week later than usual. Still, the harvest is expected to be on the level of last year, Potato Growers and Processors Union declared.
Aiga Kraukle, chairman of the union, says it is too soon to predict the exact potato yield. But since there are plenty of potato tubers in many fields throughout Latvia, there are no concerns about the harvest being any worse than last year.
She also says growth of potatoes is not at risk, and weather conditions are optimal. The relatively cool summer has not negatively impacted potatoes, as they grow well in cool climate and prefer moisture. Everything is within reasonable deviations. There are no concerns about any negative changes in the next couple of weeks.
At the same time, Kraukle admits that harvest will be delayed this year.
“Potato harvest usually starts at the beginning of September. This year, however, we expect to start in mid-September,” she says.
Ilgvars Krumins, deputy chairman of the union, also says potatoes are growing well at the moment, and he hopes the harvest will be good.
“Potato harvest depends a lot on the level of moisture during tuber maturation. Right now it is rather close to optimal. There are differences among regions, yes, but the general situation across Latvia is optimal. The next three to four weeks are what’s most important at the moment,” says Krumins.
According to him, air temperature is currently optimal for potato development.
Krumins admits that this year’s potato harvest will come later than usual.
“We sowed potatoes late this year, so we should expect them later. Growth-wise potatoes are currently on the level of last year’s July,” he says.
The goal of the union is coordinating activities of its members to defend their common interests, contribute to cooperation, market development and internal market protection. (BNN/Business World Magazine)
