Conference "For the Love of Potato and Vegetable Growing"

The conference was organized by BASF, Solana Ukraina, Agrico Ukraina, Yara, and UAVK, and brought together potato growers from different regions of Ukraine who are doing everything they can to ensure that their farms meet today's challenges.

Oleksiy Olabyn, agronomist for seed production at Solana Ukraina, reported the situation on the potato markets in Ukraine and in the world, as well as a forecast of changes that await these markets in the near future. The main conclusion that can be drawn regarding the survival of the potato business in Ukraine which faces shrinking sales market and increased competition is that increase in yields and improvement of product’s quality are the only ways out.

To do this, one should pay closer attention to details. Finally, it is time to improve uneven soils in terms of relief, acidity, fertility, as well to assess the possibility of reducing soil temperature during the growing season due to the volume of ridges and the distance between them. It is also necessary to review the norms of nutrients and increase them, based on the calculation of 70 t/ha. However, one of the main factors in these measures is the choice of the right varieties, which, in addition to high consumer qualities, must be resistant to various abiotic factors. In this regard, the varieties of Solana breeding, selected for cultivation in Ukraine, provide advantages in many respects.

Many thanks to all potato growers for finding time and opportunity to took part in the conference and to all partners for the excellent organization!