Ukraine could harvest over 68 mln tonnes of grains, legumes – forecast

The Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture predicts that the harvest of grain and leguminous crops in Ukraine this year may exceed 68 million tonnes, while that of oilseeds could amount to 20 million tonnes.

"The latest grain forecast is over 68 million tonnes, plus 20 million tonnes of oilseeds, including sunflower, soybean, rapeseed, as well as 9 million tonnes of sugar beets, 20 million tonnes of potatoes, and 9 million tonnes of vegetables," Minister Ihor Petrashko said, speaking at a briefing on the first 100 days in office of Denys Shmyhal's government.

Petrashko noted that the ministry has slightly adjusted its forecasts for grain crops, as weather conditions have recently improved in Ukraine.

However, Ukraine is unlikely to repeat last year's record, he added. "Last year it was 78 million tonnes. We don't think there will be such volumes," the minister said.

Read alsoUkraine expects record high yield of maize due to rains in May

Petrashko added that grain exports are likely to be adjusted for the difference between last year's crop and the current one. At the same time, he pointed out that the ministry is actively cooperating with exporters in the framework of the memorandum in order not to affect Ukraine's own food security.

"Regarding transitional residues, as we promised, by the end of June we should have 1.5 million tonnes of wheat. We are about to achieve this volume, which provides more than enough food wheat to ensure security," the minister said.

As UNIAN reported earlier, in May the Ministry of Economy predicted that the harvest of grain and leguminous crops in Ukraine this year will stand at 65-68 million tonnes, which is 10% lower than last year.