August 5, 2011

Ukraine to have record corn harvest in 2011

Ukraine will have a record corn output of up to 17 million tonnes this year, according to the Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food, Mykola Prysiazhniuk.

In particular, he said, in recent years, the world's growing demand for feed grain exceeds the growth in demand for food grain. Therefore, the ministry recommended that Ukrainian farmers sow 20% more corn this year than in 2010. As a result, corn is planted throughout 3.7 million hectares.

According to forecasts of the ministry, Ukraine in 2011 will gather a corn harvest of 17 million tonnes, 70% more than last year.

"Given these figures, Ukraine later this year will reach first place in terms of export. We will also be a leader in barley exports. And for corn export, we will occupy the second or third spot," the minister said.

Prysiazhniuk believes such trends will allow our country to take a firm position among the leaders in the world grain market.