INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
shrank by nearly 12% to 17.8 million metric tons due to poor weather conditions and a shortage of seeds
Producers had also reduced sowing areas following a record harvest in 2023.Analysts say the price surge is being driven by low inventories,
limited storage capacity, high energy costs and strong demand.Major Russian retailers typically rely on imports to meet spring demand,
sourcing up to 40% of potatoes from countries like Egypt, Pakistan and China during the off-season.Kommersant reported that market
has authorized up to 150,000 metric tons of tariff-free potato imports through July 31 and said it may double the quota if needed.
