The Egyptian potato season began in the middle in the season. There isn’t yet any clarity on what volume of the crop will be harvested or exported since the views of farmers differ, and pressures on the local market’s demands determine the amount of potatoes to be exported.
Abdelkader Alhabony, producer of diverse fresh vegetables said to FreshPlaza: “Large areas recently restored as part of the projects of the government have been harvested in the current season. This will significantly increase the volume of potato. Production in these areas that are in the desert more, is greater and the pesticide residues are less. The size of the tube is varied and appropriate for export as large as 55 and above. Most of the popular types, intended for consumption directly or in industries that process them can be found in plenty. I expect the growth in output to be about 2.5 million tons, taking into consideration the areas that are being brought into production. This is a great thing since we also are seeing an increase in demand due to the harsh conditions that affect potatoes throughout Europe.”
Abdelkader Alhabony, CEO of the Alhabony Group
Yet, an Egyptian farmer disagrees. He claims, “Despite the increase in acres, it is unlikely that the volume will be higher than last year’s perhaps less. Based on my research and conversations with colleagues, vast areas of potatoes disappeared last week because of the frost. It will result in a significant price increase, considering the huge demand locally demand as well as international demand. Locally, the Egyptian market eats up 5,000 tons of potatoes per day and processors are settling to Egypt in order to stock up at the beginning of the season. Therefore, we can expect an influx of potatoes within 2 months.”
Another grower stated “There’s not a precise estimate yet at this time of the growing season. However, I can state without doubt that the rise in acres is not more than the maximum estimate of 10 percent. The reason for the steadyness of the volume compared to previous seasons is that quantities of seeds harvested in this year’s crop haven’t changed substantially. The export volume is also expected to rise compared to last year, due to the huge demand and devaluation of the Egyptian pounds.”
The grower says, “We’re waiting for clarification from the authorities that centralize data. We’ll learn more over the next few days.” Alhabony himself says, “Opinions differ and we’ll know more soon However, I am convinced that volume growth has been substantial during the season, which is a welcome sign of increasing demand.” According to FAOSTAT statistics, Egypt produced 6.1 million tonnes of potatoes by 2022 out of which 800,000 tonnes were sold abroad.
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Abalkader Alhabony
Alhabony Group
Tel. : +201090999229
Email: elhboneyabdelkadee@gmail.com
www.alhabounygroup.com/en/
Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies