Potato crisis in Belarus: Lukashenko under pressure!

Potato crisis in Belarus: Lukashenko under pressure!

In Belarus, an acute shortage of potatoes is causing significant supply difficulties. This shortage particularly affects rural regions, where potato dishes are no longer available in cafes and restaurants. In response to the situation, beans and cereal porridges are increasingly being offered as substitutes. The reasons for this shortage are varied and range from a smaller harvest to unfavorable weather conditions to high export demand to Russia. NZZ reports that the economic policy under President Alexander Lukashenko, which is based heavily on state control, contributed to the current potato crisis.

In 2022, inflation in Belarus increased significantly, which increased production costs in agriculture. Instead of raising interest rates, the government relied on price controls for basic foods. These measures led many farmers to reduce the area under potato cultivation and instead focus on export markets to Russia, where prices are significantly higher. Lukashenko has repeatedly called for patience from the population and has primarily blamed exporters for the crisis.

Impact on the region

The potato shortage is not only a problem for Belarus, but also has an impact on Russia. Russian Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has confirmed the potato crisis and admitted that food prices, especially potatoes, are rising sharply. Since the beginning of the year, prices have increased by 52%, while wholesale prices have increased more than four times. These price increases in Russia are caused by a variety of factors, including a decline in cultivated areas and a 12% drop in harvests last year due to extreme weather conditions. T-Online reports that this has led to an increase in the prices of other staple foods such as cabbage, beetroot and onions.

In addition, imports of seed potatoes and seeds from “unfriendly states” have reduced by 93% since January 2024. Given the precarious situation, Russia has begun buying up potato reserves from Belarus. But Belarusian supplies have now also been exhausted, which is further exacerbating the problems in the region. Lukashenko therefore emphasized the need to intensify potato cultivation in Belarus in order to ensure domestic and Russian supplies.

Measures to improve care

In a further step, Belarus has decided to lift a previously existing ban on imports of fruit and vegetables from the EU in order to improve the existing supply situation. This shows the urgency and serious situation in Belarusian agriculture. However, despite all efforts, the potato shortage remains a symptom of deeper structural problems in the industry, affecting not only the potato crop but also livestock and other vegetables.

Overall, the current crisis highlights the region's dependence on stable agricultural products and the challenges that farmers face. In both Belarus and Russia, the current uncertainty could continue for a long time unless there are significant improvements in the cultivation strategy and the political framework.