Ukraine hikes 2009 grain harvest forecast to 48 million tonnes

Ukraine is likely to harvest 48 million tonnes of grain this year and not 45 million tonnes as was forecast earlier, the Agriculture Ministry said Tuesday (April 14).

The ministry said winter grains were in good condition and that there wouldn't be a fall in the spring grains planted area.

In 2008, Ukraine harvested 53.3 million tonnes of grain in clean weight, 82 percent more than in 2007.