In the Kherson region, an expansion in the cultivation area for watermelons and melons is anticipated, aiming for a one-and-a-half to two-fold increase. Dmytro Yunusov, Director of the Agriculture Department of the Kherson Regional State Administration, in dialogue with «IPC-South», highlighted the region's agricultural dynamics amidst challenges. Over 150,000 hectares have been sown for the upcoming 2024 harvest, focusing on adapting to the constraints posed by inadequate irrigation infrastructure.
Yunusov shared insights into the substantial growth in melon cultivation, with the region witnessing a surge from 3,000 tons in 2023 to 22,500 tons. Despite the hurdles, including the need for land demining and irrigation system restoration, the agricultural sector remains resilient. The Inhulets irrigation system's restoration, expanding from 3,000 to a projected 6,000 hectares, exemplifies efforts to revitalize agricultural infrastructure.
The popularity of Kherson watermelons, coupled with high demand across various Ukrainian regions, underpins the strategic increase in cultivation area. Yunusov's interactions with local farmers reveal an optimistic outlook for further expansion in 2025, contingent upon overcoming existing challenges such as land demining and irrigation restoration. The comparative analysis with the Mykolaiv region, which saw a 28% increase in watermelon and melon cultivation area in 2024, underscores the broader regional agricultural trends.
Source: NikVesti