The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (DIEA), which operates under the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, has released the preliminary results of the "Spring 2023" Potato Survey. These data reveal an encouraging outlook for potato production. daddy in Uruguay.
Autumn crop figures
In the fall 2023 production cycle, 2,132 hectares of potatoes were planted, with an estimated production of 50,914 tons and an average yield of 23.9 tons per hectare. Despite facing an autumn with water deficit in the main production area, 80% of the crop area was irrigated, which contributed to good yields. This demonstrates the efficiency of local agriculture and its ability to adapt to adverse weather conditions.
Of what was harvested, 9,791 tons of potatoes were stored for commercial use, of which 97% are in cold storage and 3% in sheds. This stored production will supply the market until the beginning of the harvest of early spring crops, scheduled for late November and early December.
Encouraging projections for the spring-summer cycle 2023/24
Planting intentions for the 2023/24 spring-summer cycle are 975 hectares, an increase of 12% compared to the previous year. At the time of the survey, 877 hectares had already been planted, equivalent to 90% of the planned area. This indicates strong farmer commitment and optimism regarding future market conditions.
For this planting, 2,638 tons of seed were used, with 94% coming from own use and 6% purchased. In addition, there is a diversified area distribution according to planting time, with 58% for early crops, 34% for seasonal crops and 8% for late crops. This strategy will allow staggered production throughout the cycle, which benefits both farmers and consumers.
Expectations for fall planting 2024
Uruguayan farmers have a planting intention for fall 2024 of 2,186 hectares, an increase of 2.5% compared to the previous crop. In addition, an estimated 1,447 tons of seed will be imported for this planting, while growers already have some 4,850 tons in storage for planting.
It is important to note that all these estimates are preliminary, as they are based on data collected prior to the planting period, which runs from the second half of December to the end of March 2024. Definitive information will be obtained through the next "Fall 2024" Potato Survey, scheduled for March of next year.
DIEA Statistical Yearbook 2023 (external link)
