The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus said that the republic fully meets its needs for high-quality potatoes. Tubers are bought and imported only for industrial processing for potato products.
According to Belstat, in the first half of 2021 Belarus imported 17,5 thousand tons of potatoes, or 0,3% of the total production. Moreover, 12% of imports fell on the preparation of chips - 2,1 thousand tons.
Annually, the country produces about 6 million tons of potatoes 184 varieties of domestic (75%) and foreign (25%) selection. The country is engaged in the production of semi-finished fries and chips, frozen and garnished potatoes.
Agricultural enterprises harvest about 1 million tons of potatoes every year. This year 185 thousand tons are sent for seeds, industrial processing - 200 thousand tons, trade and catering, including stabilization funds - 100 thousand tons. For all other needs, including export, more than 400 thousand tons remain.