Experts from EastFruit have warned that a sudden drop in temperatures across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan could impact onion prices in the region. The cooling air poses a threat to the harvest of early vegetables, including onions, cabbage, and carrots, typically collected in March from southern regions. Additionally, the yield of cereal grains and nuts is also in jeopardy.
Weather Shifts and Crop Vulnerability
Bakhtiyor Abduvahidov, an international fruit and vegetable business expert, noted a recent spell of unusually hot weather, with daytime temperatures exceeding 20°C. This warmth has triggered almond blossoming in various areas and the sprouting of other cereal fruit trees. However, a significant cooling trend is forecasted in the coming days, with temperatures plummeting to 7-10°C in southern Tajikistan and even reaching as low as negative 12-13°C in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan during the night, persisting cold throughout the day.
Impact on Onion Crop
The premature sprouting of early onions, coupled with the sudden temperature drop, raises concerns about potential crop loss. However, agronomist Sergiy Alba suggested that onions with more than six leaves before the frost may continue to develop. Marite Gailite, an expert at the Latvijas dārznieks association and EastFruit blogger, emphasized that the effects of cold on onion crops depend on various factors, including onion variety, hybrid type, and overall plantation condition.
Market Implications
While the cooling weather might alleviate some pressure on the onion market due to existing high stock levels and relatively low prices, experts anticipate losses in the early onion crop and delayed harvest dates, leading to prolonged sales of stored products. Nonetheless, the cold conditions could reduce losses for onions stored indoors without forced cooling, contributing to market stabilization and gradual price increases.
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