Kazakhstan potato sector seeks greater varietal diversity

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A large-scale review by the Union of Potato and Vegetable Growers of Kazakhstan has found that the Gala variety accounts for 41.29% of the country’s commercial potato area. According to the union, more than 79,000 tonnes of Gala seed were planted in Kazakhstan in 2026, out of a total seed volume of 194,700 tonnes.

The union says the concentration on one variety creates technological risks and is calling for greater diversification of the country’s potato production. It sees potatoes for processing into fries, chips and starch as one of the main areas for expansion. Industrial varieties can be grown under supply contracts with processors, providing farmers with an agreed market for the crop and allowing deliveries to be spread through the storage season.

Several processing varieties are already being grown in Kazakhstan. These include VR-808 from STET Holland, as well as Fontane and Arsenal from Agrico. The chip variety Lady Claire from C. Meijer is also among the country’s 20 most widely planted varieties by seed volume.

The union also points to growing interest in Kazakh-bred varieties. Red-skinned, white-fleshed varieties developed by the Kazakh Research Institute of Potato and Vegetable Growing include Tokhtar, planted on 2,654 hectares, and Tamasha, on 2,164 hectares. Both are among the country’s 10 leading varieties by seed area.

Another issue is the use of varieties that are not included in Kazakhstan’s official register. According to the union, Aladdin is grown on 3,423 hectares and Impala on 1,178 hectares despite having no registered status in Kazakhstan, while Beloruska is grown on 1,260 hectares without a registered breeder.

The sector also expects changes from Kazakhstan’s planned accession to the UPOV Convention on the protection of new plant varieties. A draft law providing a legal framework for accession was discussed at the People’s Council on September 23. The potato union says stronger protection of breeders’ rights could encourage international breeders to produce and localise foreign varieties in Kazakhstan.

Source: apk-news.kz

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