Rice production in Ukraine in 2022 due to a full-scale war decreased 16 times compared to the previous year and amounted to only 3.1 thousand tons, while in the season-2023 this figure may increase by 3.5 times – up to 11 thousand tons, reported the Ukrainian Club of Agrarian Business (UCAB).
Its analysts recall that before the war, Odessa and Kherson regions were engaged in rice cultivation due to natural and climatic conditions.
“Due to the Russian attack, part of the territory of Kherson region was occupied, accordingly, Ukraine lost the opportunity to grow rice on these lands as early as last year. It should be noted that the production of this crop was mainly engaged in the left-bank part of the region, which is still under temporary occupation. Therefore, for a year and a half we have no possibility to get rice from this part of Ukraine,” the experts noted, adding that after the Kakhovskaya HPP dam was blown up, the chance of revival of rice farming in this region is extremely low.
According to their information, now only Odessa region is engaged in rice farming, which in 2022 grew about 3.1 thousand tons. Experts explained such small volumes by the uncertainty at the beginning of the war and reorientation to higher priority crops. As forecasted in UCAB, that in 2023 the situation in the region will slightly improve and the own production of rice will reach about 11 thousand tons.
Analysts also emphasized that Ukraine has always imported more rice than it grows, as there are countries where natural and climatic conditions are more favorable for growing this crop. However, the ability to provide itself with the necessary foodstuffs, guaranteeing its own food security, is also important.
Despite the war and the destruction of traditional logistical routes, the volume of rice imports remains at a relatively stable level, assures the UCAB.
According to its data, Ukraine imported 87.6 thousand tons of rice in 2022, which is 5% more than in 2021. The main supplier countries were China, India and Pakistan.
“In 2023, imports are expected at 73 thousand tons – 17% lower than in 2022. The reduction in imports is due to the increase in world rice prices and the low solvency of Ukrainians,” the UCAB summarized.
