January 27, 2012

Ukraine's grain output to drop up to almost 30%

For 2012, the grain crop of Ukraine may drop by 20-30% against on-year following drought-damaged winter crops, Kiev-based agriculture researcher ProAgro said.

The wheat harvest will be about 14 million tonnes in 2012, the researcher said. Ukraine reaped a record 56.7 million tonne grain harvest last year and wheat accounted for 22.3 million tonnes, according to National Statistics Office data.

Farmers will have to re-seed about two million hectares (4.92 million acres) of winter grain even if the weather is favourable for the rest of the winter, the researcher said. Re-seeding of winter rapeseed may reach 300,000 hectares, according to the statement.

Winter grain losses will be offset by increased planting of corn, barley, oats and sunflowers, according to ProAgro.

The area planted with spring grains will gain to 17 million hectares this year, the researcher said.