October 19, 2011

Ukraine ups grain harvest outlook

Ukrainian grain output forecast for this year had been increased by two million tonnes to 52-54 million tonnes from last month's outlook, according to an agricultural official Tuesday (Oct 18).

"There have been a lot of forecasts, and some were firstly wrong, in particular those made by the USDA. Now we believe Ukraine will harvest around 52-54 million tonnes of grain this year," said Serhiy Kvasha, director of the Agricultural Policy and Food Ministry's Department for the Development of the Agricultural Market.

According to Kvasha, the final figures will become apparent after corn harvesting in nearest future.

Kvasha also said the condition of the winter crops had improved during the past week due to heavy rains.

The government expects Ukraine to export about 25 million tonnes of grain this marketing year, which ends in June 2012.