This summer's heatwave in Ukraine has severely impacted the country's agriculture, particularly affecting vineyards and vegetable farmers.
While melon crops were produced in large quantities, farmers struggled to profit due to prices barely covering costs. The increased variety of watermelon species this season was driven by growing interest and expanded cultivation areas.
Vineyards were hit harder, with low yields and small grapes due to drought, reducing their market appeal. Only farms using drip irrigation managed a full harvest and sold at high prices.
The vegetable sector faced similar challenges—drought caused reduced yields and substantial price hikes for staples, especially the traditional "borsch set" of vegetables. Onion prices, in particular, are expected to soar again in spring due to a shortage in supply.
Farmers are now adapting by rethinking their crop choices and farming methods to cope with extreme weather.
Source: seeds.org.ua