The Zmiiv vegetable greenhouse complex in Kharkiv region, once Ukraine's largest cucumber producer, has been forced to make a drastic shift in its operations due to the destruction of its greenhouses by Russian rocket strikes. It is now cultivating root vegetables and berries on open fields.
Before the war, the facility operated greenhouses covering a total area of 21 hectares for growing cucumbers and other vegetables. However, the greenhouses were destroyed by Russian rockets over the past two years, rendering further use of the facilities impossible. According to director Ihor Syshenko, the workforce, which once numbered 400, has now dwindled to just 80. The complex has been compelled to shift its focus to growing carrots, beets, various types of onions, and blueberries.
Despite the challenges, it has managed to continue operations and is expanding its open-field cultivation, with plans to increase this area to 50 hectares next year. It is also experimenting with growing watermelons and sweet peppers. For seedling cultivation, were repurposed warehouse spaces. To ensure consistent production was installed an irrigation system for its vegetables and berries. Bumblebees from the Netherlands have been brought in for blueberry pollination, and next year, the facility plans to sell blueberries in Kharkiv. The area where the greenhouses once stood, will be repurposed to expand blueberry cultivation.
The company, which has been in operation for over 70 years, does not plan to rebuild the greenhouses until the war has ended. Instead, it continues to adapt and seek new opportunities to maintain jobs and provide essential products to the region.
Source: suspilne.media