May 8, 2012

Ukraine's majority winter grain land seen in good condition

Ukraine's winter grain plantings in 5.3 million ha, or 69% of the general areas faced good and satisfactory conditions as of May 4, 2012, informed the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

According to the Ministry, nearly 21% of the areas, or 1.6 million ha, showed weak and thinned condition.

The sprouted crop plantings perished already throughout 0.7 million ha (9% of the areas).

The Ministry of Agrarian Policy indicates that as a result of the favorable weather conditions in the spring, the condition of winter crops improved compared to the level they got out from the winter period.

According to the State Statics Service, Ukraine planted winter crops for grain and green fodder, including rapeseed, throughout 9.4 million ha for the harvest of 2012, up 1.9% compared to the harvest in 2011. The planted areas under winter grains increased by 3.8% to the level of 8.4 million ha.

According to the updated information of the Ministry, winter grain areas became sprouted throughout 7.7 million ha.