Ukraine's winter crops are growing, but drought threatens harvest

Winter crops sowing in Ukraine has started intensively, and this year it is 30% ahead of last year. However, the growing drought may threaten the winter crops harvest. According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine, as of September 26, 2023, more than 2 million hectares of winter crops have been sown in Ukraine.

In particular, 1.038 million hectares have been planted with rapeseed (8% more than on the same date last year), 1.024 million hectares with wheat (64% up), 74 thousand hectares with barley (14% up), and 42 thousand hectares with rye (55% up).

However, the current drought may significantly limit the area under crops. Despite the intensive sowing, as of September 2022, rapeseed was planted on 961 thousand hectares, wheat - on 622 thousand hectares, barley - on 65 thousand hectares, and rye - on 27 thousand hectares.

The winter crops sowing campaign is expected to be completed around November 29 this year. Last season, 4.5 million tons of grain crops were allocated for winter crops, of which 3.8 million hectares were planted to winter wheat, barley and rapeseed - 1 million hectares each, and rye - 159 thousand hectares.

It is important to note that this year's winter crop plantings are significantly lower than before the war. In 2021, 7.7 million hectares were allocated for winter crops, of which 6.5 million hectares were planted to winter wheat, barley and rapeseed - 1 million hectares each, and rye - 159 thousand hectares.

Preserving the winter crops this season will be a big challenge for farmers, and the results will depend on climatic conditions and moisture conservation measures during sowing and growing.