Despite the cold temperatures in Ukraine not dropping to extreme levels, it will most likely be the snow that will cause growers the most headaches in the coming season.
"It is too early to say for sure, but we expect that some fruits and berries might suffer from the cold conditions. Stonefruit is expected to be the most affected with lower levels of production, but the forecast has not yet been adjusted. There is some good news for apple growers - the fruit was not yet in full blossom, which means they appear to be out of danger." shared Tetiana Getman from Info-Shuvar.
Candles being used in tunnels to protect seedlings.
In Odessa, melon and watermelon growers are using candles to save the seedlings.
"Growers in Odessa used around 800 paraffin candles per hectare to protect watermelon and melon seedlings in tunnels. The candles were used from 3 am to 12pm for several days to warm the air during the coldest nights, which has been successful." shared agricultural expert Valentina Katsura on her Facebook page.
The early vegetable crops are now late, and that is on top of a shortage from last year's crops. As a result, prices have risen dramatically, particularly for beets, carrots and cabbage. To make matters worse, there were some logistics issues last week, making it difficult to get the goods out to all locations.
Shuvar reports that some vegetables have seen price increases by as much as 150%. Cabbage, carrot and potato prices are the highest they have been in the past 5 years.
As of 24 April, 2017, at the largest wholesale platforms in Ukraine, carrots are being sold for EUR 0.21 -0.28/kg, potatoes for EUR 0.19 -0.23/kg, cabbage for EUR 0.28-0.35/kg, and onions and beets are being sold for EUR 0.12-0.21/kg and EUR 0.12-0.14/kg, respectively.
"The lack of supply has been confirmed by almost all wholesale companies and retail chains in Ukraine. The situation has meant that buyers are now looking to Poland and the Netherlands for carrots, potatoes and cabbage imports. Sourcing from Belarus was not possible due to the very limited supply of high quality vegetables there." said Tetiana.
"The weather does seem to be improving now, although you never know when it comes to mother nature. In the meantime, growers have been doing everything they can to keep their crops protected. Growers will know more in the next 7-10 days." concluded Tetiana.
For more information:
Oksana Kozak
Shuvar
Tel: +38 (093) 719-92-74
Email: o.z.kozak@gmail.com
info.shuvar.com
Oksana Kozak
Shuvar
Tel: +38 (093) 719-92-74
Email: o.z.kozak@gmail.com
info.shuvar.com