Belarus Potato Harvest Drops in 2025: Will Shortages Push Prices Up This Summer?

Belarus harvested 3 million tons of potatoes in 2025, according to the National Statistical Committee (Belstat), a decrease compared with the previous year that has raised questions about supply stability later in the season.

The harvest volume is lower than in 2024, when Belarus produced about 3.1 million tons. That level proved insufficient, leading to a shortage of root vegetables at the beginning of 2025. Despite the decline, authorities maintain that the current harvest will be enough to meet domestic needs.

Official Assurances and Production Structure

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has stated that the potato harvest fully covers domestic demand, ensures stable winter stocks, and creates opportunities to expand processing and export potential. 

Belstat has not yet published a detailed breakdown of production by agricultural organizations, farmers, and households. It was initially planned that agricultural organizations and farmers would harvest a combined 945,000 tons. Based on the total reported harvest, this implies that households produced just over 2 million tons, down from around 2.4 million tons in 2024.

Market Balance and Price Outlook

Entrepreneur and economic commentator Aliaksandr Knyrovich has previously explained that a stable market requires agricultural organizations and farmers to harvest around 1 million tons of potatoes. According to his estimates, a shortfall of 6 percent could lead to a one-month gap without domestic potatoes before the new harvest, while a 12 percent shortfall could result in a two-month gap.

Knyrovich believes a new shortage is unlikely this year. However, he noted that closer to summer Belarus may need to rely on imported potatoes, a move that could lead to higher prices for consumers.