Ukraine: The situation with niche crops in the Ukrainian market

In the opinion of the deputy director of the Institute of Agrarian Economics, agricultural specialists took up the business they do not have experience at. The niche crops are sown, but the peculiarities of production are not fully understood.

Such an idea was expressed at the conference during the discussion of the problems and prospects for the development of niche crops in Ukraine.

Today, mostly small farms are engaged in niche crops. But the main problem is that they have no experience in the production of these crops. And as a result, the yield remains at a low level.

A distinctive feature of growing niche crops is high profitability, as the cost of growing is low. But the main pitfall is high risks of harvest failure. However, one way or another, this is a good way to diversify production.

It should be recalled that FAO and EBRD, according to the results of the study, compiled a list of the most promising niche crops for growing and exporting from Ukraine.

In the Ukrainian market, niche crops play an important role in the agricultural industry. However, in recent years the market for these crops has become less stable and predictable, which puzzles producers and buyers.

Among niche crops, the most popular are soybean, flax, mustard, sunflower and sesame. In 2020, Ukraine became the leader in the production and export of soybeans in Europe. However, in recent years, exports of niche crops from Ukraine have declined.

According to experts, today the most promising crops are mustard and sesame, as their demand is growing both in the domestic and international markets. However, the production of these crops has not yet reached a scale comparable to that of other niche crops.

Overall, the market for niche crops in Ukraine is a mixed bag. On the one hand, there is potential to increase the production and export of some crops, on the other hand, serious efforts are needed to increase the stability and predictability of the market.

At PIS.UA, we offer you a detailed analysis of the niche crops market, as well as forecasts for the near future. Stay up to date with developments in the agricultural industry with us.