Ukraine's economy ministry expects improved agricultural outcome

"Agricultural output is expected to be improved by the end of 2017 in conditions of boosting the pace of harvesting campaign due to spring crops that have been less affected by difficult weather and climate conditions. In addition, the decline of livestock production is expected to slow down due to the gradual expansion of demand in the domestic and foreign markets, and the implementation of measures to contain and prevent the spread of the ASF pathogen," the report said.

Read alsoCabinet plans to develop targeted support program for farmers by AugustAt the same time, the ministry noted that the escalation of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, unfavorable weather conditions amid the harvest campaign, as well as a new wave of spread of animal diseases could put the growth rates of agricultural output at risk.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine saw a 0.4% growth in agricultural production in January-August 2017 year-over-year, according to the State Statistics Service. At the same time, crops output grew by 1% over the period under review, while livestock production shrank by 0.7%.