Ukrainian farmers are expected to get a record wheat harvest

Ukrainian agrarians will get a record wheat harvest in 2023, as it is expected to harvest 24.4 million tons of raw wheat or 23.5-24 million tons after processing. This forecast was made by the Ukrainian Grain Association based on a survey among agricultural producers. It is noted that this harvest volume exceeds market expectations, which currently amount to 15.6-18 million tons. The improvement in yields is due to compliance with technology, use of fertilizers, and availability of land bank.

The survey found that farms with wheat area of more than 500 hectares expect better yields, while the lowest yields are expected on farms with less than 100 hectares.

Overall, the average yield is expected to be 3-8 tons per hectare. Most farms (64%) expect yields of more than 5 t/ha. The most optimistic forecasts are expressed by farms in the west and south of the country, while the lowest expectations are in the north. The weighted average yield is 5.46 t/ha.

Farmers said they take various measures to increase yields. 81% of farms use plant protection products (PPPs) according to the established technology, and some have switched from using branded chemicals to more affordable generics. However, 19% of producers are forced to reduce the use of plant protection products due to lack of moisture.

Taking into account all the factors, the total harvest of grains and pulses is expected to reach 45 million tons this year.

Such a high wheat harvest is important for Ukraine, which is one of the world's leading grain exporters. The increase in wheat production will help strengthen Ukraine's position on the global grain market and provide the country with additional export revenues. Given the large harvest volume, Ukraine will be able to meet both domestic and foreign wheat needs, reducing its dependence on imports and contributing to the development of the country's agriculture.

The increase in wheat yields is the result of the efficient use of modern agricultural technologies, the introduction of the latest tillage methods, and the reasonable use of resources. This demonstrates the strong potential of the Ukrainian agricultural sector and the country's ability to achieve stable and high-quality grain production.

The forecasted record wheat harvest in Ukraine for 2023 creates prospects for further development of the agricultural sector and contributes to the strengthening of the country's economy as a whole. Additional revenues from grain exports can be invested in farm modernization, infrastructure improvement and rural development, which will help improve the living standards of farmers and create new jobs.