Potato production in Bulgaria is concentrated primarily in the Yugozapadna and Yuzhna tsentralna regions (Southwest and South Central), which together account for the majority of national output. In 2023, this zone had 5,984 hectares under cultivation, yielding 90,451 tonnes of potatoes.
Within this, the Yugozapaden subregion—including Blagoevgrad, Kyustendil, Pernik, Sofia-capital, and Sofia region—contributed 17,587 tonnes, while the Yuzhen tsentralen subregion (Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Smolyan, and Haskovo) produced 14,888 tonnes.
The Severna i Yugoiztochna (North and Southeast) region also maintains a significant presence, cultivating 1,035 hectares and harvesting 18,804 tonnes in 2023, with contributions from subregions like Severozapaden, Severen tsentralen, Severoiztochen, and Yugoiztochen.
Bulgaria grows a mix of traditional and modern potato varieties, including Borwina, Solist, Soraya, Alegria, Gala, and Birgit, along with newer types such as Allora, Wega, Inara, and Parolli. According to FAO statistics, Bulgaria produced approximately 119,240 tonnes of potatoes in 2023.
The potato was introduced to Bulgaria in the late 18th century by the Ottoman Turks and was initially cultivated primarily for personal consumption. By the mid-19th century, it began gaining importance as an agricultural crop due to its high yield potential and adaptability to Bulgaria’s varied soils and climatic conditions. Following the Russian liberation in 1878, regions such as Lilkovo quickly recognized the crop’s suitability to their terrain, leading to widespread adoption. By the 1940s, Lilkovo had become a notable potato-producing area, reportedly achieving production levels of over 1,200 tonnes per capita annually.
Agricultural Statistics for bulgaria
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