August 26, 2008

Ukraine's current grain and leguminous harvest has more than doubled to 42.6 million tonnes when compared to 2007, according to Ukrainian Agriculture Ministry.

The larger crop was more likely helped by increased yield, which rose about 70 percent. Average crop yields rose to 34.5 centners per hectare from 20.6 centners per hectare ( 1 centner = 100 kilogrammes). 

Ukraine threshed 26.6 million tonnes of wheat from seven million hectares, with the crop yield being 37.9 centners per hectare.

Farmers also harvested 13.35 million tonnes of barley from 4.17 million hectares, with the crop yield being 32.1 centners per hectare.

About 1 million tonnes of rye was harvested, along with 37,700 tonnes of buckwheat and 48,000 tonnes of millet.

The news is likely to unsettle authorities, who watch with concern recently the drop in grain prices. At the same time, exports in June and July have leapt since the government lifted quotas. The government is also embarking on a plan to build more silos to hold reserve grains.