Potato Imports Doubled

In 2014 the official imports of potatoes in Azerbaijan amounted to 129.6 thousand tons, which is two times more than in 2013 (65 thousand tons). With domestic retail prices by an average more than US $ 1 (SSC), a kilo of potatoes is registered on the Azerbaijani customs at 6 cents (excluding seed, frozen, canned and crushed potatoes).

According to the State Customs Committee, last year, import prices of potatoes were declared 5 cents lower than in 2013.

Potatoes are purchased mainly in Russia - 52.1 thousand tons, Iran - 23 thousand tons, and the Netherlands - 18 thousand tons. Importers also supply potatoes from Georgia - 6.7 thousand tons, Lithuania - 7.1 thousand tons, Egypt - 2.1 thousand tons, Sweden - 3.1 thousand tons, Turkey and Belarus - 2 thousand tons each, etc.

According to the State Statistics Committee, last year, Azerbaijan produced 819.3 thousand tons of potatoes, which is 17.5% less than in the previous year. The production decreased mainly due to falling yields, which in turn is a consequence of the summer drought. In 2014, the yield from 1 ha was 133 hundredweight (-12.5%).

Last year, Azerbaijan exported 49 475.6 tons of potatoes, of which 98.9% was delivered to the markets of Russia. Exports fell by 8.3%. At the same time, export prices are fairer than import prices - 0.64 / $ / kg. Exporters of potatoes gained about $ 32 million, $ 10.5 million more than in 2013.

According to official figures, the consumption of potatoes per capita in Azerbaijan is more than 64 kg per year. Dependence on imports is 7.7% (2013). However, many experts regard the data on the domestic production as false and imports - understated. According to them, at least a quarter of the need for potatoes is met through imports. ---08B