Unstable weather conditions in Ukraine this year have had a negative impact on yields, and as a result, Ukrainians can expect higher prices for agricultural products. This was stated by economic expert Andriy Novak in an exclusive commentary to Komersant ukrainskyi
Novak noted that the price of fruit and vegetable products may increase due to the impact of both abnormally hot days and heavy rains that have occurred recently.
“According to both small and large farms, this changeable weather – on the one hand, long hot days that are not typical for the Ukrainian climate, and on the other hand, a period of very heavy rains – has definitely affected the harvest and its preservation,” Novak said.
According to him, the weather conditions not only reduced yields but also increased production costs, which will inevitably lead to higher prices.
“And of course, such unfavourable weather conditions have led to the fact that we have to expect higher prices for Ukrainian agricultural products, including fruit and vegetables. And of course, such weather conditions have reduced yields on the one hand, and increased the cost of production on the other, and this inevitably leads to higher prices,” the expert added.
However, the expert believes that the growth will not be critical. High competition both among Ukrainian producers and with imported products will restrain excessive price increases.
“Prices will rise, but not excessively. However, it will be noticeable for the low-income population,” Novak emphasised.
Author: Iryna Shevchenko