November 1, 2006

Ukraine's winter grain area up 23 percent

Planting of winter grain was nearly complete in Ukraine, reported the country's Agrarian Policy Ministry.

Crops have been sown to date on 6.933 million hectares, completing 99 percent of the target, which was 23 percent more than at this time last year.

Winter wheat crops accounted for 5.838 million hectares, or 99 percent of the target, barley for 530,000 hectares (101 percent) and rye for another 368,000 hectares (85 percent).

A drop in the winter wheat area last year combined with big winterkills led to a decline in Ukraine's grain production this year. The country's wheat production was estimated at 14.3 million tonnes, down from 18.7 million tonnes last year, and total grain output at 35.1 million tonnes, down from 38 million last year.

The enlarged planted area would increase grain production next year, the ministry said.