Planting of wheat and oats is currently underway in central regions. The area planted to wheat is expected to be below average, although no official forecast is available yet. This is due to lower wheat prices and high production costs.

High costs of fuel and fertilizers have affected grain profitability, discouraging farmers from planting wheat. In contrast, oats sowings are expected to be above average. Further details on the situation are available from the GIEWS Country Brief, which provides more information on cereal import requirements and market supplies.