Corn crop failure estimated at 2 mln t — Economy Ministry
The Ministry for the Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine has revised downward the projected grain production by all categories of farms in 2020 from 72.1 to about 70 mln t, the ministry says in a statement.
"Weather conditions in recent weeks have caused either a loss of potential corn harvest or its significant decline. If the autumn weather conditions are favourable, the corn harvest is expected at 35 mln t, and the total grains harvest at 70 mln t," stated Taras Vysotsky, deputy minister for economic development, trade and agriculture of Ukraine.
Cherkasy (133.8 thou. ha), Odesa (33.5 thou. ha) and Kirovohrad (21.3 thou. ha) regions have reported the largest potential corn harvest losses. At the same time, Cherkasy (234 thou. ha), Kirovohrad (146.7 thou. ha) and Poltava (120.5 thou. ha) regions have experienced a significant yield reduction. In total, the estimated losses on corn throughout Ukraine may be about 2 mln t.
According to the report, the forecast for corn harvest was reduced from 37 to 35 mln t, therefore, the current forecast for grains harvest 2020 in Ukraine is 70 mln t.
As a reminder, the Ministry for the Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine and grain market participants signed the Annex to the Memorandum of Understanding on 17 Aug setting the limit for wheat export from Ukraine in the 2020/21 season at 17.5 mln t, rye 1 thou. t.