FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - THE UKRAINE (3 November)

THE UKRAINE (3 November)

Grain production in 2001 is estimated at 36.3 million tonnes, which compares with 25.4 million tonnes in 2000 and 29.8 million tonnes average for the past 5 years. This year’s production includes 19.9 million tonnes of wheat, 8.8 million tonnes of barley, 3.3 million tonnes of maize and 1.6 million tonnes of rye. In 2000 wheat harvest amounted to 11 million tonnes, barley to 6.9 million tonnes, maize to 1.8 million tonnes and rye to 966 000 tonnes. The significantly higher production this year is mainly due to higher yields and some increase in area under wheat. Average cereal yield this year amounted to 2.6 million tonnes per hectare compared with 1.9 million tonnes per hectare in 2000.

Exceptionally dry weather conditions have hampered winter planting campaign, in particular in the southern parts of the country. Official estimates indicate that winter cereal production in 2001/02 marketing year may be significantly lower than this year’s harvest.

Ukraine is set to export about 6.2 million tonnes of cereals in 2001/02 marketing year (July/June) compared with 1.7 million tonnes the previous year. Cereal imports are seen to decline from 858 000 tonnes in 2000/01 marketing year to 210 000 tonnes this marketing year. Wheat and barley are the most important export cereals accounting for 56 percent (3.5 million tonnes) and 32 percent (2 million tonnes) of the total exports, respectively.