Lukashenka Initiates Development of a New Crisis-Resilient Potato Variety to Bolster Agriculture Amid Economic Challenges

August 28, 2025

belarusian Leader Orders Creation of ‘Super Potato’ Amidst Shortages

Minsk – President Alaxandr Lukashenko of Belarus has directed scientists to engineer a new potato variety that exhibits heightened resilience to both disease and unfavorable weather conditions. This directive comes as Belarus grapples with a significant potato shortage, leaving store shelves increasingly bare and raising concerns about food security.

The Potato Crisis and Presidential Response

Earlier this year, Belarusian farmers experienced substantial crop losses due to a combination of spring frosts, heavy rainfall, and an outbreak of potato blight – a devastating fungal disease also known as potato plague. Responding to these challenges, Lukashenko emphasized the need for a domestically-developed potato capable of withstanding these threats. He specifically inquired about varieties resistant to both blight and wireworm damage.

The President highlighted the existing work of the Potato Cultivation Institute under the National Academy of Sciences,which has already produced varieties like “Treasure,” “Manifesto,” “Lasunak,” and “BRIZ.” He also acknowledged newer introductions, including a purple-fleshed “Sapphire” potato, while noting consumer preference for traditional varieties.

State intervention and Accusations

The governance has responded to the potato crisis with a series of measures intended to bolster supply.these include financial penalties for retailers failing to maintain adequate stock levels – ranging from 210 to 8,400 Belarusian rubles (approximately $235 to $9,400 USD) – and the provision of low-interest loans to facilitate vegetable and fruit purchases.This move, dubbed the “Anti-refinement decree”, aims to support commercial networks in acquiring produce, even if it is not yet fully marketable.

However, these measures have been met with criticism. Authorities have accused shop owners of deliberately concealing potatoes to discredit the government, a claim rejected by independent analysts.

economic policies Blamed for Shortages

Experts contend that the root cause of the potato shortage is not natural disaster, but a rigid price control policy. The state-imposed price ceiling on potatoes proved financially unsustainable for many farmers, who later opted to sell their crops in neighboring Russia, where market prices offered significantly higher returns.

“There is no economic sense in Lukashenko’s activities except for the next transfer of agricultural funds, which have already consumed several billion dollars,” stated entrepreneur Alaxandr Knynowicz, highlighting the financial strain of the current approach.

Factor	Impact on Potato Supply
price Controls	Reduced farmer profitability, leading to decreased production and sales within Belarus.
Weather Conditions	Initial crop damage from frosts, rains, and blight.
Government intervention	Penalties and loans intended to stabilize supply,but perhaps masking underlying issues.

Did You Know? belarus is a significant consumer of potatoes, with per capita consumption among the highest in Europe.

pro Tip: Diversifying agricultural production and allowing market-driven pricing can increase resilience to future adverse events.

The Global Potato Landscape

The global potato market is projected to reach $94.8 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2021, according to a report by Fortune Business Insights. Potatoes are a staple food for billions worldwide, providing essential carbohydrates and nutrients. As climate change presents increasing challenges to agriculture, the development of resilient crop varieties is becoming increasingly critical. Source: Fortune Business Insights

Frequently Asked Questions about the Belarus Potato Crisis

• What is causing the potato shortage in Belarus? The primary cause is attributed to government-imposed price controls that made potato farming unprofitable for many Belarusian farmers.
• What is Lukashenko’s plan to address the shortage? He has ordered the creation of a new, disease-resistant potato variety and implemented financial measures to support retailers.
• Are weather conditions a contributing factor? Yes, adverse weather conditions, including frosts, heavy rains, and blight, initially damaged crops.
• How are Belarusian farmers responding to the price controls? Many farmers are selling their potatoes in Russia, where they can obtain more favorable prices.
• What is the impact of the “Anti-refinement decree”? It provides loans to retailers, but critics argue it doesn’t address the root cause of the shortage.

What are your thoughts on the Belarusian government’s approach to this crisis? Do you think a focus on agricultural innovation is the key to long-term food security?

How might the development of a crisis-resilient potato variety contribute to Belarus’s agricultural self-sufficiency goals, considering current sanctions and trade restrictions?

The Strategic Importance of Potato Production in Belarus

Belarus has long relied on a robust agricultural sector, and the potato holds a particularly significant position. Beyond being a staple food, potatoes contribute substantially to food security, livestock feed, and even industrial processing (starch production). Recent economic pressures, exacerbated by geopolitical factors and sanctions, have highlighted the need for increased self-sufficiency and resilience within the Belarusian agricultural system. This has led to a focused initiative spearheaded by President Lukashenka to develop a new, highly adaptable potato variety. The goal? A potato capable of withstanding challenging conditions and ensuring stable yields. this initiative directly addresses concerns surrounding Belarusian agriculture, food security, and economic stability.

Addressing the Challenges: Why a New Potato Variety?

Belarusian agriculture,while historically strong,faces a confluence of challenges. These include:

Climate Change Impacts: Increasingly unpredictable weather patterns – droughts, excessive rainfall, and temperature fluctuations – pose a significant threat to traditional potato yields.

Sanctions and Trade Restrictions: Limited access to imported agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, necessitates a focus on resource efficiency and resilient crop varieties.

economic Instability: Fluctuations in currency value and overall economic uncertainty impact farmers’ ability to invest in modern agricultural technologies.

Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices in some regions have led to soil nutrient depletion, reducing potato productivity.

The development of a crisis-resilient potato is therefore not merely an agricultural project, but a strategic response to these interconnected challenges. It’s a move towards agricultural self-sufficiency and mitigating the impact of external pressures.

Key Characteristics of the New Potato Variety – Project “resilience”

Details surrounding the specific breeding program, officially dubbed “Resilience” by Belarusian agricultural authorities, are still emerging. Though, key objectives and desired characteristics have been publicly outlined:

Drought Tolerance: The new variety must demonstrate superior ability to withstand prolonged periods of water scarcity. This will involve incorporating genes associated with drought resistance from wild potato relatives.

Disease Resistance: Focus is on resistance to common potato diseases like late blight ( Phytophthora infestans), common scab ( Streptomyces scabies), and potato virus Y (PVY).Reducing reliance on chemical treatments is a priority.

Cold Tolerance: Belarus experiences harsh winters. The variety needs to exhibit improved tolerance to frost and early/late season cold snaps.

Nutrient Use Efficiency: The potato should be able to thrive in soils with lower nutrient levels, reducing the need for expensive and potentially scarce fertilizers.

High Yield Potential: Despite the focus on resilience, maintaining or even improving yield is crucial.

Adaptability to Different Soil Types: The variety should perform well across a range of soil conditions prevalent in Belarus.

Breeding Techniques and Research Collaborations

The “Resilience” project leverages a combination of traditional breeding techniques and modern biotechnological approaches.

Marker-assisted Selection (MAS): This technique allows breeders to identify plants with desirable traits at the genetic level, accelerating the breeding process.

Wild Potato Germplasm: Researchers are actively exploring the genetic diversity of wild potato species found in Central Asia and South America, searching for genes conferring resilience.

Collaboration with Research Institutes: The Belarusian Academy of sciences,specifically its agricultural research institutes,is playing a central role. Collaborations with Russian agricultural research centers are also reported, focusing on shared challenges related to potato breeding and crop resilience.

Genome Editing (Potential future submission): While not currently a primary focus, Belarusian scientists are monitoring advancements in genome editing technologies like CRISPR, which could potentially accelerate the development of desired traits.

Potential Benefits for Belarusian Farmers and Consumers

The prosperous development and widespread adoption of this new potato variety promise several benefits:

Increased Food Security: A stable potato supply, even during challenging times, strengthens national food security.

Reduced Import dependence: Lower reliance on imported potatoes and potato products saves valuable foreign currency.

Enhanced Farmer Income: Higher yields and reduced input costs (fertilizers, pesticides) translate to increased profitability for farmers.

Enduring Agriculture: reduced chemical inputs contribute to more environmentally amiable farming practices.

Price Stability: A consistent supply of potatoes helps stabilize prices for consumers.

Export Potential: Surplus production could potentially be exported, generating revenue.

Real-World Examples & Lessons from Other Countries

Several countries have successfully implemented similar strategies to enhance crop resilience.

Ireland’s Potato breeding Program: Following the devastating irish Potato Famine, Ireland invested heavily in potato breeding, focusing on disease resistance.

Peru’s Native Potato Diversity: Peru, the birthplace of the potato, maintains a vast collection of native potato varieties, offering a valuable genetic resource for breeding programs worldwide.

* CIP (International Potato Center): This international research institution plays a crucial role in developing potato varieties adapted to diverse environments and challenges, particularly in developing countries. Belarusian researchers are likely studying the work of CIP