Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center: May rains will improve crop outlook

Rainfall in early May will improve outlook for this year’s crop in Ukraine following a dry spring and actually a snow-free winter, UkrAgroConsult reports quoting the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center.

The condition of winter crops and spring crop seedlings will definitely improve in areas where the amount of precipitation was substantial.

However, moisture shortages in southern Ukraine (Odesa, Kherson, most parts of Mykolaiv and Zaporizhia regions) still lead to rather uncertain crop forecasts. In total, more than 30% of wheat and 40% of winter barley are harvested in these regions.

Unfortunately, the upcoming rains will not prevent crop losses inflicted by frost events in late March and early April.

In Ukraine, droughts are very likely to occur again within next decade. This does not imply any serious change in the grain production structure or a sharp increase in the acreage share of specifically heat-loving crops. Winter wheat will continue playing a significant role in Ukraine’s agricultural production and exports in the future.

According to forecasts made by the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, most regions of Ukraine will see rains and thunderstorms in the coming days. Thunderstorms will occur in the droughty southern regions (Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson), with daytime air temperature rising to +20°C there.