Ukraine expects to have good harvest of grains, oilseeds in 2024 - minister

MOSCOW. July 5 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry has revised its spring forecast of agricultural crops in 2024 5% upwards to 77 million tonnes, including 56 million tonnes of grains and 21 million tonnes of oilseed crops, Ukrainian media quoted acting Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Taras Vysotsky as saying in televised remarks.

"Compared to our initial forecast in spring, we, as the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry, have revised it upwards. As of now, our forecast is 77 million tonnes, including 56 million tonnes of grains and 21 million tonnes of oilseed crops, which is around 5% higher than the initial forecast. However, it's still 5% to 7% less than last year," he said.

It is still hard to accurately predict the harvest volume now, as the crops like corn, sunflower, and soybeans are still through an active vegetative phase, and weather in July and August could considerably affect the final indicators, he said.

"As for early crops, such as wheat, barley, or rapeseed, our forecasts are quite optimistic, owing to which we've revised them upwards to 77 million from 74 million tonnes of grains and oilseed crops," he said.