Sharp drop in temperatures in Uzbekistan may affect onion crop – EastFruit

EastFruit experts are drawing attention to the forecast of sharp cooling in the countries that are major exporters of onions in the Central Asian region: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

Uzhydromet issued a special announcement, informing that from the end of the week, most areas of Uzbekistan are expected to experience rain turning to snow, and a sharp drop in temperatures. According to the publication, this could threaten the harvest of early onions, as well as other early vegetables like cabbage and carrots, that are due for collection in March in the southern regions.

International expert in the fruit and vegetable business, Bakhtiyor Abduvohidov, suggests that since early onions have already sprouted, the cold could lead to a partial loss of the crop. Additionally, part of the grain fruit and nut harvest is also under threat.

According to the expert, the weather in the region has been very warm lately, with daytime temperatures exceeding 20 degrees. As a result, almond blossoming has already begun in many areas, and the buds of other grain fruit trees have swollen.

However, even the southern regions of Tajikistan are expected to experience a sharp cold snap in the coming days, with temperatures dropping to minus 7 to 10 degrees. In Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the situation is somewhat more severe, with night-time temperatures forecasted to drop to minus 12-13 degrees, and the cold persisting during the day, the report says.

Agronomist Sergey Alban believes the impact of cold weather on onions depends on their stage of development. "If onion plants have produced more than six leaves before the onset of the cold, they may be able to reach maturity," said the expert.

Marite Gailite, an expert at the Latvijas dārznieks Vegetable Growers Association and a blogger for EastFruit, added that the impact of the cold on onion crops also depends on the variety and hybrid of the onions, as well as the overall condition of the plantation.

"Last season's experience shows that some of the early onion crops may be lost. The quality of onions may also deteriorate. Additionally, the cold may result in a later harvest date," she said.

The cold snap in Central Asia may slightly reduce the intensity in the onion market, as product reserves remain high in the republics and prices are relatively low. A portion of the early onion crop is expected to be lost, and a later harvest may provide extra days to sell large reserves of products stored in warehouses, the publication writes.

Moreover, cold weather can reduce the loss of onion crops stored in closed spaces without the need for refrigeration. In any case, this event could be positive for the market, potentially leading to a strengthening of the gradually increasing onion prices, the report states.