The current condition of agricultural crops is normal, and we hope that replanting winter crops will not be necessary, said the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
"Typically, when 15-20% of winter crops freeze, replanting is required. At this moment, we do not see such a necessity. In the coming weeks, we do not expect a critical situation," he stated.
The minister pointed out the moderate drop in temperature, which will allow crops with low frost resistance to withstand the cold without issues.
Koval also emphasized that the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food has not revised its harvest forecast for the 2025 season. It still estimates it at 41.9 million tons for grain crops, including a wheat harvest of approximately 16.2 million tons, barley at 2.8 million tons, corn at 22.1 million tons, and other crops around 0.8 million tons.
At the same time, according to the minister, the ministry predicts a reduction in the area under soybean cultivation in 2025. However, over the next five to ten years, its production in Ukraine is expected to grow.
"Among the reasons is the annual demand from the European market, which exceeds 30 million tons, while Ukraine currently produces around 6 million tons. Europe needs us as a supplier of protein products, including soybeans. Many farmers have recognized the benefits of diversifying their crop rotation with soybeans and corn. This is the American model, where farmers plant soybeans after corn (...) Therefore, we are observing a shift towards greater versatility in production among farmers," he explained.
The Minister of Agrarian Policy expressed confidence that the grain sector, including wheat, will always be a priority in the Ukrainian agricultural sector, as it is profitable and indispensable in crop rotations, serving as a suitable predecessor for many agricultural crops.