Hungary: Potato stuck in the ground

A lot has changed on the potato front in recent times. Partly the climate, but also trade, as goods move freely in Europe. Thirdly, consumer habits, as processed potatoes are making inroads. What has changed in potato production, and how can we adapt to the challenges? We sought answers to this, among other things, at the professional conference entitled Current Issues and Practices of Seed Potato Propagation in Berzence, organized by Solanum Kft.

"Consumption habits show that people are eating fewer and fewer potatoes, replaced by sweet potatoes and other superfoods."

In addition, production is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in Hungary, because we are extra strict, especially in terms of plant protection, and because of that it is very difficult to compete”- we stopped to talk to György Varga Jr. at the presentation venue. The co-managing director of Solanum Kft. said that we have been restricted in many ways, in the area of fertilizer, plant protection products, and primarily the use of weed killers. Weed control is in a difficult situation with the withdrawal of metribuzin.

"I find that a lot of farmers, especially young or middle-aged ones, are looking for a way out because they see that grain is no longer worth dealing with. Potatoes, on the other hand, are still a choice that few plants can provide comparable income from. They think that if they read an article about it, they will have become potato producers. They will start growing it and have a poor harvest, but they have no market, and they are forced to lower the price because they cannot store it," the expert outlined the situation. All of this affects the market, and a skilled farmer feels this in the same way, because he cannot sell at the price he should.

"In Hungary, the average yield per hectare for twenty years has been 24 tons, which is what a normal farmer achieves. If we were to produce that much, it wouldn’t be enough for anything."

– he added that about 45 tons is what you can get for a good price. That’s where the calculation begins, that the cost of Classe A quality seed tubers per hectare is between 900 thousand forints and one million forints.

The ecological optimum for potato cultivation is 18-20-21 degrees, preferably slightly cloudy weather, not too hot, and sufficient water. If we look in Africa, starting from Kenya to North African countries, they produce potatoes and open-field potatoes, and they know what heat is, and they can boast very good yield averages.

There is no need to be afraid of warming, but to react to it. You should not start without irrigation, it may be worth considering planting a little later, or the opposite. What our country is very strong in is prime production. Those who are serious about planting early and appearing on the market with new potatoes also have something to gain, the really early ones are picked at the end of April.

Choosing the right variety is also an important issue. It is not unimportant whether, for example, a foreign variety that has never encountered the weather challenges experienced here is a good decision. That is why Hungarian varieties that are accustomed to local conditions come to the fore.

"The yield potential is also in the Hungarian varieties. At the same time, it is possible that a potato has a weaker skin, is more difficult to harvest, or is only recommended for new potatoes, but you have to find the one that best suits the technology. 54 varieties were exhibited in Berzence, from which you can choose which one would be worth dealing with," explained György Varga Jr.

Is the yellow-red peel debate still going on? As the expert said, there is no debate about it, it is a custom that developed towards the end of the 1960s.

Previously, after the World War, the experience with yellow potatoes was bad, and then Desirée came, which meant a different quality. Looking through the lens of market protection, it may be worth keeping this. Where can red potatoes be sold? To Hungary. More than 80 percent of potatoes are yellow, and in most countries, yellow-skinned potatoes are generally preferred. However, it would have no other significance, because we don’t eat the peel, and they are the same when peeled.

In Western Europe, processing potatoes are spreading, sometimes to the detriment of the areas producing the propagation material. Hearing that there is a shortage of starch, chip production is another matter, the processing industry could save the sector. This would require a receiving market where a production department would operate, which would bring together farmers and tell them which variety they require. This would require adequate financing, support, a secure contract, a predictable price, and then it would be possible to produce and deliver safely. The most important direction would be for a processing plant to operate that processes the potatoes in some form.

"This year’s extreme year, the dry winter was followed by a cool spring, then a frost in May, and now we are experiencing a relatively long, dry period, although serious storms caused damage a few days ago. Every plant feels this, but for us, seed tuber production is a priority area, we are prepared for it, so we irrigate it and give it everything we can," emphasized György Varga Jr., this increases costs, but if someone produces well and pays attention to quality, and Nébih certifies it, then it should be included in the budget.