Grain production forecast increased 13% through corn yield
By the estimates of Institute of Agrarian Economics, updated on the basis of statistical data as of November 1, 2018, and expert assessment by the end of the year, in 2018 the production of grain and leguminous crops will exceed last year's 61.9 million tons by 13.4% and reach 70.2 million tons.
This was informed by Yuri Lupenko, Director of the National Scientific Center Institute of Agrarian Economics, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
According to him, the increase in the gross yield of grain and leguminous crops is achieved mainly by the increase in corn yield by 40.8% — from 5.46 t/ha to 7.69 t/ha. As a result, its production will grow by almost 42.7% and amount to 35.2 million tons against last year’s 24.7 million tons.
This year's wheat harvest is 4.2% lower than last year's 25.1 million tons. Such production volumes are sufficient to fully meet the domestic needs for food grains.
A significant decrease in buckwheat areas (–42.9%) cannot be compensated by the yield improvement from 0.96 t/ha to 1.36 t/ha. The production of buckwheat is expected at 146.9 thou. tons, that is, 18.6% less than in 2017.
The yield of peas will decrease to 825 thou. tons (–24.8%). Also, barley harvest will be lower — 7.53 million tons or 9.1% less.
A 10% reduction in millet areas could not be offset by the increase in its yield to 1.55 t/ha (+5.4%). In 2018, millet production is expected to decrease by 3.9% to 81.2 thou. tons.