February 16, 2010

Ukraine's total grain yield at 47.2 million tonnes

The total grain yield in Ukraine this season is expected at 47.2 million tonnes against 46.8 million tonnes last year, an agency said.

Around 44.1 million tonnes of main grain crops (wheat, barley and corn) can be gathered this year or 500,000 tonnes up against the previous year.

Total export of main grain crops can make up 22 million tonnes (without taking into consideration grain exported over 2009/2010 MY) that may be less against 2009/2010 MY export by 1.0-1.2 million tonnes.

Oil-bearing crops yield forecast in Ukraine promises to be better against 2009. Total volume of main oil-bearing crops (sunflower seeds, rapeseed and soy) can make up about 10 million tonnes or 9.5% up against 2009 yield.

Export of oil-bearing crops (without products of processing) can make up about 2.5 million tonnes. About 7.2 million tonnes will be processed inside Ukraine. Sunflower seed oil export, provided there is not a force majeure in the form of a ban for export, can reach a record level of 2.4 million tonnes.

In total, under the grain crops, oil-bearing crops and technical cultures over 23 million ha will be sowed in Ukraine in 2010. In the meantime, the majority of cultures' yield is expected at the previous year level.