Álava potato production declines due to heat and drought

Potato production in Álava is facing significant challenges due to intense summer heat and a lack of rainfall. Jon Legorburu, a field technician for Udapa, reports that these climatic conditions have caused a production decrease of between 20% and 40%, depending on planting dates and plot rotation.

The heat has affected the tuberization process, resulting in smaller-sized tubers. Consequently, the harvest season was moved forward, beginning in late August with expectations to conclude within the coming week. The total expected volume is approximately 9 million kg, which represents a 30% reduction compared to a season with more favorable weather.

Despite the lower yields, the quality of the harvested potatoes remains satisfactory and within expected parameters. Crop sanitary conditions have been generally favorable, with very limited incidence of fungal diseases throughout the vegetative cycle.