Ukraine expects 2026 grain crop of 60.4 mln tons

KYIV, May 12 (Reuters) - Ukraine's grain crop forecast for this year stands at 60.4 million tons, close to last year's levels despite wartime challenges and a cold and wet spring, the deputy economy minister said on Tuesday.

Farmers are expected to harvest around 22.4 million tons of wheat, enough to meet Ukraine's domestic demand and preserve export opportunities, he added.

This year's spring sowing campaign was more challenging because of the cold weather and wet soils which delayed the sowing of some crops.

"The weather risks currently concern mostly corn, as this crop depends on sowing dates, temperature conditions and moisture levels during the growing season," Taras Vysotskiy, deputy economy minister, said in a statement.

"At the same time, the forecast for wheat and barley is entirely realistic and reliable to ensure food security. The agricultural sector demonstrates its ability to adapt even in difficult conditions."

The ministry said that it expected the corn harvest to reach about 31.6 million tons this year while barley is targeted at around 4.7 million tons in 2026.

The ministry provided no comparative figures for the previous year's harvest.

Ukraine is a major global food producer and exporter and its agricultural sector has proved resilient despite damage and destruction during more than four years of war with Russia.