To meet the population's needs for potatoes and stabilize prices in the domestic market this season, potatoes were planted on 238 thousand hectares, taking into account soil and climatic conditions.
Price Dynamics and Reforms
During market visits and surveys of sellers, the average price for potatoes was '4.5 thousand sums, I will lower it further.' This price is almost half of what it was in early spring. This decrease is due to systemic reforms in the industry, hard work, and scientific research.
Priority Regions and Funding
Based on past experience, this year the primary focus was on the regions of Samarkand, Jizzakh, Tashkent, Kashkadarya, Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan, considering the soil and climatic characteristics of these territories.
The planting of potatoes on major areas was carried out through the 'Agroplatforma' program at farms. Data for 27.7 thousand business entities were entered into the program and sent to commercial banks for financing. 90.1 billion sums were allocated for the purchase of seed potatoes.
Seed Supply and Harvest Forecast
To meet the needs of the population and ensure the stability of the domestic market this season, potatoes were planted on 238 thousand hectares using internal resources, taking into account soil and climatic conditions.
Potato seeds harvested from the 2025 crop (elite planting material imported from abroad accounted for 34 thousand tons), as well as 6 thousand tons of quality seed potatoes imported from abroad by local importers, and 2 thousand tons from 'Uzagrostar Holding,' were distributed among potato producers without surcharges. Additionally, 35 importing enterprises selected by local authorities ensured the delivery of 51 thousand tons of missing seed potatoes.
Monitoring and Agronomic Measures
A working group was formed to study the status of potato planting work in the regions, which conducted on-site inspections. Educational and practical seminars on organizing potato planting were held in all districts, and all responsible employees related to the industry were given instructions and recommendations to eliminate identified shortcomings in planting and agronomy.
It is forecasted that 3.3 million tons of potatoes will be produced from major areas between May and September. To date, 2 million tons of potatoes have been collected in the regions, and an additional 1.3 million tons of harvest is planned for July-September.
Planned Consumption Volume and Reserves
According to calculations, 2.5 million tons of potatoes will be consumed by the population from May to October, and 400 thousand tons for next year's seed material, totaling 3 million tons. It is expected that 325 thousand tons of surplus potatoes will be produced.
Currently, the average price for potatoes in farm markets is 3000–3500 sums wholesale, 4500–5000 sums retail, and 5500–6000 sums in shopping centers. At the level of farmers in the regions, potatoes are sold for 3000–3200 sums, and in specialized areas—for 2200–2800 sums. In specialized areas, the price has decreased by 400–1200 sums compared to 2025.
Import and Product Storage
From January to June of this year, 403.4 thousand tons of potatoes worth 22.6 million dollars were imported from abroad (Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, Belarus) to replenish the domestic market. 11 thousand tons of potatoes were delivered in June.
There is a possibility of storing locally grown potatoes for short and medium terms, up to 6 months. Local authorities proposed creating a reserve of 498.5 thousand tons of potatoes to prevent price increases in September-November, and a list of 1128 storage facilities (total capacity of 706 thousand tons) was compiled for storage.
Daily monitoring of potato collection has also been introduced. Currently, 191.4 thousand tons (38%) of potatoes are stored in warehouses, and work on receiving the rest of the harvest continues.
Export and Potato Cultivation Development
It is planned to export a total of 15.3 thousand tons of potatoes ($7.1 million at an average price of $0.46 per kg). Today, 566 tons of potatoes worth $128 thousand were exported.
It is forecasted that 98 thousand hectares of potatoes will be planted by farms and households on land freed up from grain and early crops. Specifically, the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and deputy governors for agricultural and water resources approved the planting of potatoes on 68 thousand hectares of secondary plots by farms. This requires 204 thousand tons of seed material, and a reserve of 174 thousand tons has already been created in the regions. Work is being organized to deliver the missing 30 thousand tons of seed material from abroad and other regions.
Furthermore, special attention is paid to effectively implementing measures to combat pests and diseases of potatoes, as well as the widespread application of intensive technologies to increase yield.
To date, 13.2 thousand hectares (19%) of potatoes have been planted, and planting work continues on the remaining areas. 1.2 million tons of potatoes will be produced from secondary plots, which will be directed to domestic consumption and creation of reserves for winter-spring.
State Support and Selection
In accordance with the task set by the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated September 8, 2025, on growing high-quality seed potatoes, the delivery of 4 million mini-potato tubers by scientific institutions and the unimpeded supply of high-quality seed material to producers in specialized areas are being organized.
The winner of the tender for the supply of 2.5 million mini-potato tubers, posted on the special state procurement information portal, has been determined, and work is currently underway to conclude contracts.
For reference: The Institute of Potato, Vegetable, and Irrigation Crops (ITI) was assigned 1.5 million tubers, and the Samarkand Institute of Agro-Innovations and Research was assigned 1 million tubers.
An electronic tender procedure was conducted to select financially stable entities with many years of experience in the 'E-urug' program. 36 potato producers applied to the tender, from which 19 entities with many years of experience were selected. They will be supplied with mini-tubers without hindrance in July.
Additionally, LLC 'Bulungur Agrostar' imported 250 thousand mini-potato tubers from 'Misr' and planted them on 3 hectares.
In conclusion, the state attention dedicated to the development of potato cultivation is bearing fruit, contributing to the maintenance of stable potato prices in the country.
