The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said it received $17 million from Japan to address Ukraine's grain storage problems and boost exports as global food prices remain at record highs amid war in the country, Voice of America reports..

The funds will help Ukraine, the world's fourth-largest grain exporter, to store the products of the current July-August harvest in plastic sleeve bags and modular containers, the FAO explains..

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According to the FAO, Ukraine still has 18 million tons of last year's crop of grains and oilseeds, and this season the country expects to harvest another 60 million tons.. However, about 30% of the granaries were filled with grain from last season's harvest..

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Ukraine, which exported 44.7 million tons of grain last year, is trying to export its crop by road, river and rail, but logistical difficulties limit the volumes to a maximum of 2 million tons per month.

FAO said it will also use its new funds to help Ukraine put these alternative grain export routes into operation..