Belarusian vegetable growers are concluding the season, preparing to store almost 123,000 tons, including those for a traditional "borscht set" and apples, to mitigate any shortage of fresh produce during the off-season. This year's harvest dipped due to drought, with northern growers seeing a 12% reduction per hectare compared to the previous year.
Carrot fields were notably affected. In northern regions out of the approximately 300 hectares of vegetables planted in the spring, only 211 hectares were ready for harvest, the rest lost to drought.
Meanwhile, in southern Belarus, potato yields were favourable, with fields in "Teplichnoye" (Gomel region) averaging 350 centrers per hectare. Preserving quality and appearance is crucial, so products are stored in special chambers with a temperature ranging from 2 to 5 degrees to avoid losses.
"Teplichnoye" excelled in onion production, utilizing Dutch elite varieties. After drying, cooling, sorting, and packaging, products reach social institutions and retail, with a portion stored for off-season supply. The mission for producers and retail chains is to ensure a full off-season supply of Belarusian fruits and vegetables for the domestic market, with over 20,000 tons stored in the Gomel region alone.
source: www.tvr.by