FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - THE UKRAINE (1 February)

THE UKRAINE (1 February)

Grain harvest in 2001 is estimated at about 39.7 million tonnes, which compares with only 25.4 million tonnes in 2000. Last year’s production included 21.3 million tonnes of wheat, 10 million tonnes of barley, 3.6 million tonnes of maize and 1.8 million tonnes of rye. The significantly higher production is mainly due to higher yields, and some increase in area under wheat.

Contrary to earlier reports, cereal winter-kill have been minimal so far this year and the crop conditions in many parts of the country are reportedly good. While late November and December frost had raised fears of a significantly large winter-kill, official estimates now indicate that winter cereal harvest may not be significantly lower than the good crop of last year.

Cereal exports in 2001/02 marketing year are estimated at 7.4 million tonnes, compared to 1.7 million tonnes in the previous year. This year’s exports have been boosted partly by lower tariffs on Ukrainian cereals in the EU.