May 29, 2012

Ukraine's Hydrometeorological Centre projects 14.5 million tonnes winter crops output

For the 2012 harvest of winter crops, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Prediction Centre forecasts it at 14.5 million tonnes, reads a statement made by the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

"This year the gross harvest of winter crops will be much lower than the last year's one and will make 14.5 million tonnes," predicts the Hydrometeorological Center director Mykola Kulbida.

As to him, low yield is observed in Ukraine's southern provinces, and the highest one in western, central and, in parts, northern provinces. He remarks, this yield forecast is due to adverse periods during vegetation development of the winter crops.

Kulbida takes note that very severe autumn drought, which did not facilitate the planting of winter crops within optimal terms, bitter cold in January-February and the spring drought, which started in southern, central and, partially, in eastern provinces altogether have led to this decline of overall yield.

As Ukrainian News earlier reported, a year ago the Hydrometeorological Centre forecast a harvest of winter crops in 2011 at 24 million-25 million tonnes.