On the regional level, the weather had the largest impact on Chernigov oblast the largest producer of potatoes. Potato production is labor intensive. The lack of pesticides and herbicides makes plants very susceptible to pests, especially to Colorado bugs, and diseases. Because subsidiary household plots and at dachas tend to use their own production for seed and the quality of these seeds disintegrates over time the threat to the genetic potential of potatoes is high. As mentioned in previous reports, potatoes are a substitute for other products and are produced not only by peasants, but also by city residents on their small private plots.
Rural production tends to be higher yielding than production on urban plots.
Potato production in all categories of farms in Ukraine on regional level, sorted by volumes of total production, average for 1996-1998 and 1999. Stocks and supply of potatoes to families, percent. Average for 100 families. Total supply is taken as 100 percent. Use and ending stocks of potatoes in families, percent.