Potatoes Disappear in Belarus.

The rusty-starched country is once again facing problems in the food sector. The price of potatoes has risen, and their variety has decreased. This has become a serious issue for Alexander Lukashenko, reports Glavkom citing BBC.

Meanwhile, Belarus has decided to lift the ban on vegetable and fruit imports from the European Union. This is noteworthy as the country previously criticized the EU for sanctions against it.

Reasons for the Potato Shortage

Currently, there is a shortage of potatoes in Belarus, and their price has significantly increased. The two main factors for the price hike are frosts and state price regulation. The state subsidized collective farms, but private farmers sold potatoes at higher prices to Russia. The situation is now critical, and people have started expressing their shortages on social media.

“It’s very harsh and even embarrassing for Belarus,” said one of the buyers.

Lukashenko and Putin's Reaction

Alexander Lukashenko has repeatedly pointed out this problem, but the shortage and rising food prices have also caught the attention of Russian President Vladimir Putin. At a meeting with business representatives, Putin suggested buying potatoes from Belarus but was surprised to learn that there was also a shortage there.

As a result, Belarus is trying to improve the situation by increasing the production of basic vegetables to meet the needs of both the country and Russia. Additionally, the country lifted the ban on the import of vegetables and fruits from the EU, which was imposed in response to EU sanctions.

The rise in prices and the shortage of potatoes in Belarus is prompting the government to seek ways to resolve this complex situation. Not only governmental reactions but also cooperation with neighboring countries like Russia and the EU might help solve the problem of potato shortages and other products.