Following a pessimistic forecast of the drought impact on potato crops, Russia will have to import over 4 million tones of potato in order to meet the consumer demand. The shortage amounts to 7 million tones assuming the general domestic demand of 29 million tones.
Kazakhstan, a major potato exporter to Russia has also been severely hit by the drought and heat waves. Belarus plans to gather a good harvest and increase its exports to Russia (up to 250,000 tones of potatoes). However, Belarus cannot cover Russia’s total demand of potatoes. Therefore, Russia will have to import from other CIS countries, as well from Poland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, India, China, Canada and the U.S.
Source: www.rt.com