Ukrainian officials complain that after the loss of Crimea they are forced to buy rice abroad
Ukraine's need for rice imports is 120 thousand tons due to the loss of Crimea.
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This was stated by Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vladimir Lapa, who was quoted by the press service of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy.
“After the annexation, imports increased. For example, in 2014, compared to 2013, its volumes increased from 68 thousand tons to 84 thousand tons. In total, Ukraine needs 180 thousand tons of rice for domestic consumption. Ukraine is capable of producing 60 thousand tons. That is, the need for imports is about 120 thousand tons. Two regions are engaged in rice cultivation: Odessa and Kherson regions,” Lapa said.
The official also said that in 2012-2013, the area under rice in Ukraine was about 24-25 thousand hectares. After the loss of Crimea, the cultivated areas that remained in Ukrainian-controlled territory decreased to 10-11 thousand hectares.
Ukrainian officials complain that after the loss of Crimea they are forced to buy rice abroad.