Govt eases fear of rising onion, buckwheat prices in Ukraine
Ukraine’s government assures that there will be no shortage of crops by the end of the year, which will ease pressure on the prices of popular produce, including onions, carrots, and buckwheat.
Early this year, onion prices in Ukraine rose sharply, causing worries among consumers over this popular vegetable.
Since Ukrainian farmers are planning to increase the sowing of spring crops, domestic products will be more affordable for Ukrainian consumers, first deputy minister of agrarian policy and food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi said on national television on Monday.
According to him, in 2022, farmers significantly increased the volume of buckwheat sown, which led to a 50% reduction in its prices compared to last year.
"Almost the same sowing area is expected this year. That is, more buckwheat will be produced than is needed for domestic consumption. The need for imports will decrease, and there will be no reason for the price to rise. It may even become cheaper, but this will become clear after the planted areas are fixed in June," Mr Vysotsky said.
The official stressed that grain production in Ukraine will exceed the domestic needs by at least two and a half times, meaning there will be enough wheat for bakery, and corn and barley for feed.
As for vegetables, Mr Vysotskyi explained, farmers in the Odesa region, as well as central and western Ukraine will resume sowing produce for the so-called ‘borscht set’, that is, onions and carrots.
"This year, the situation with onions and carrots on the market will be stable compared to last year. The products will be more affordable for the Ukrainian consumer," he assured.
