April 3 2006, 14:33 APK-Inform

Barley and maize crops are forecasted to increase in 2006

Area planted with barley and maize crops is forecasted to increase in 2006, Yuri Melnik, Vice-Prime Minister informed on April, 3.

Area under barley crops can increase by 470.000 ha (total area was 4.5 mln ha last year); maize - 500.000 ha (1.71 mln ha last year).

Increase of wheat area is estimated at the level of 145.000 ha (total area - 6.19 mln ha in 2005), millet - 100.000 ha (141.000 ha last year).

Agrarians will be highly interested in sugar beet, soy beans and rape, Melnik supposed.

Total area under crops is estimated at 25.86 mln ha in 2006. Area planted with grains and leguminous plants (including maize) is forecasted to total 9.09 mln ha; mixed feeds - 4.173 mln ha, vegetables, potatoes and, melons and gourds - 2.025 mln ha.

By the end of the previous week area planted with spring grains and green feeds had been 254.000 ha or 4 % from the forecast (5.89 mln ha).