5 Apr 2023 17:20

MHP agroholding to reduce area sown with grain, increase area under oilseeds in 2023

MOSCOW. April 5 (Interfax) - MHP agroholding, Ukraine's largest producer of chicken meat, intends to sow nearly the entire area of 352,500 hectares in 12 regions of the country this season, while reducing the area under grain and increasing the area under oilseeds, Ukrainian media reported, citing the agroholding's message posted on social media.

According to the agroholding's information, 255,500 hectares will be allocated for grain and oilseeds, and the remaining area will be for niche and industrial crops.

"We have prepared ahead of time for the sowing campaign by purchasing a sufficient amount of seeds, fertilizers, plant protection products, and fuel. Despite all the challenges, we are continuing to introduce innovative technologies and invest in equipment, including in machinery equipped with elements of precision farming," MHP head Sergei Dobrogorsky was quoted as saying in the message.

The agroholding previously reported that it had harvested 335,000 hectares in 2022, and that it had sowed around 74,000 hectares of winter crops, including winter wheat at 55% and winter rapeseed at around 45%.

MHP is the largest producer and exporter of chicken in Ukraine. The company specializes in the production of chicken and, in particular, the cultivation of cereals, as well as other agricultural activities, including the production of meat and sausage products and ready-to-eat meat products.

The agroholding swung to a net profit of $393 million in 2021 from a net loss of $133 in 2020, and it boosted revenue 25% to $2.37 billion. Figures have not been published yet for 2022.

Ukrainian entrepreneur Yuri Kosyuk is the majority shareholder and executive board chairman of MHP.