Ukraine harvests crops, but harvest will be much smaller than last year’s. Despite of the war, the second negative factor for agricultural production was the drought in the central regions. However, in the eastern regions, in particular in Donetsk region, yield indicators are high.

"This year harvest, which is in the process already, will be 40% lower than previous year. The forecast of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Ukraine is 68 million tons, ours is - 60 million tons. The occupation of some southern regions influenced this. There is a drought in the Centre of Ukraine. We will benefit thanks to the East. The harvests in Donetsk region are high, according to the information from local farmers. However, we should not forget about the front line. Ukrainian military mount a strong defense, but it is necessary to get insured," said the UAC Chairman Andriy Dykun.

In order for the record harvest in the east of the country not to be in the ownership of the Russian authorities, Ukraine has to make an appropriate political decision.

"What should be done? Political decision to take the grain to the state elevators, such as of the State Food and Grain Corporation should be made in order not to give the yield to the enemy. We are talking about hundreds of thousands, million tons of grain," Andriy Dykun believes.

The UAC Chairman emphasized the importance of full-fledged sea exports: "Unblocking of sea exports will significantly strengthen stability of the economy and will lift acute of the food crisis, but only on the condition of stable export of 6 million tons of grain per month until March. Otherwise, farmers will not sow in spring."