War-torn Ukraine sees bumper crop despite export challenges
Ukraine's Ministry of Agriculture revised up its forecast for the 2023 grain harvest to 59.7 million tons, marking a significant increase from previous estimates and exceeding the 2022 yield despite the ongoing war.
The ministry attributed the optimistic outlook to a record-breaking average wheat yield of 54.7 quintals per hectare, surpassing the previous record of 53.6 quintals set in 2021. The total grain and oilseed harvest is now estimated at 81.3 million tons, up from the earlier projection of 79.1 million tons.
"The production at hectare has reached a new record," stated the Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture, highlighting the resilience of the agricultural sector amidst the challenges posed by the war.
Individual crop forecasts also saw positive revisions. Wheat production is now expected to reach 22.2 million tons, barley 5.8 million tons, and corn 30.1 million tons. Sunflower and soybean harvests remained consistent with previous estimates at 13 million tons and 4.6 million tons, respectively. Rapeseed harvesting has already been completed, yielding over four million tons.
While the harvest forecasts are promising, Ukraine continues to face difficulties in exporting its agricultural products. Traditionally, the country relied heavily on its Black Sea ports for grain exports. However, the ongoing Russian blockade of these ports has forced Kyiv to find alternative routes, such as via land and the Danube River, which are significantly less efficient.
Despite these challenges, the revised harvest forecast provides a glimmer of hope for Ukraine's economy and its ability to meet global food demands.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
