Corn plantings in Ukraine may total 4.3 million ha in 2017.
Corn was the most remunerative staple cereal crop in 2016, keeping farmers interested in its cultivation. However, the spring weather conditions cause some concerns about attainability of the target sown area.
As of April 6, Ukraine has not yet started corn sowing. At the same time, meteorologists predict substantial growth of day-time air temperatures in Ukraine in the coming two weeks. Corn is known to be a warm-weather and moisture-loving crop. Therefore the planting pace is vitally important, as well as precipitation abundant enough to replenish topsoil moisture content.
According to market participants, this year’s weather promoted faster planting in neighboring countries. In particular, Romania has already completed corn sowing, while Russia has just started it. (UkrAgroConsult/Business World Magazine)