Ukraine Reports Record Grain Harvest in 2023

Ukraine has announced a record-breaking grain harvest for the year 2023, according to the latest data released by the State Statistics Service, despite constant Russian shelling throughout the year.

Overall, Ukraine harvested a total of 59.8 million tonnes of grains and legumes, alongside 21.8 million tonnes of oilseeds, marking a significant agricultural achievement.

One of the standout performers was maize, with a harvest exceeding 31 million tonnes, representing an impressive 18.5% increase compared to previous years. This was facilitated by a very high average yield (7.81 tonnes per hectare), which is the second-best result in Ukraine’s history. The highest yield was recorded in 2018 (7.84 tonnes per hectare).

Wheat production also saw a notable uprise, reaching 21.6 million tonnes, with a record-breaking yield of 4.64 tonnes per hectare.

Overall, 59.8 million tonnes of grains and legumes were harvested, which is 11% more than in 2022. However, this is still 16.5% less than the average volume for the five years preceding the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Overall, Ukraine’s agricultural sector has demonstrated resilience and productivity, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and global food supply. Despite facing relentless shelling that has been systematically targeting both farmers and grain storage facilities since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine remains a key player in the global grain market, with its record harvest serving as a testament to its agricultural prowess.