Ukraine could lose 20% of winter grain crops if hot, dry weather persists – National | 24CA News
Most of Ukraine’s winter grain crops are in good situation however grain yields might fall by 20 per cent if present dry and scorching climate persists, APK-Inform consultancy quoted agricultural scientists as saying on Monday.
Ukraine is a significant grain grower and exporter however its manufacturing has fallen sharply since Russia invaded the nation in February final yr.
Grain output decreased to round 53 million tons in 2022 from a report 86 million tons in 2021. The authorities has mentioned that in 2023 the harvest might decline to 44.5 million tons.
Winter wheat dominates the Ukrainian winter grain harvest and accounts for 95 per cent of the nation’s total wheat manufacturing.
“In general, weather conditions for most of the spring period were sufficiently favourable for growth and development of winter cereal crops,” Ukraine’s nationwide academy of agricultural science mentioned in a report.
“However, in case of continuation of dry weather in the period of grain filling, especially on the background of high air temperatures… the share of lost yields can be from 15 to 20 per cent,” it mentioned, giving no precise forecast of the harvest.
Scientists famous that crops which had been sown very late had been notably at dangers.
The Ukrainian agriculture minister instructed Reuters on Friday that the ministry forecast the 2023 winter grain crop at round 18 million tonnes, or 20% lower than in 2022.
