Russia's potato harvest has declined, and prices in stores have risen sharply

Russia may once again face a potato crisis similar to the one that struck the country in 2024–2025. As of early October, agricultural organizations had harvested 3.1 million metric tons of potatoes—13.8% less than during the same period last year. The harvest from smallholder and commercial farms totaled 2.1 million metric tons, a 5.9% year-over-year decline. 

According to a forecast by analysts at the AB Center, this year’s potato harvest in the industrial sector could total 7.5 million metric tons—11.5% less than in 2025. The Potato Union estimates the potential harvest at approximately 8 million metric tons. At the same time, annual potato consumption in Russia reaches 8.5 million metric tons, so the shortfall could range from 500,000 to 1 million metric tons.

According to data from the analytical firm NTech, in the first half of 2026, retail demand for potatoes rose by 2% in volume terms. Against the backdrop of a shrinking harvest, this has already affected prices. According to Rosstat, in September the average retail price of potatoes reached 51 rubles per kilogram, which is 28.8% higher than in the same month last year.

This is reported by Russian propaganda media.

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