Drought and shelling: losses of Kherson region’s farmers approach one billion
10 September 17:25
The losses of Kherson region farmers due to the drought have already reached almost UAH 1 billion. To officially recognize the situation as an emergency at the state level, the amount of losses must exceed UAH 1.2 billion. This is reported by UkrAgroConsult, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
- The average grain yield in the region fell by 1.5-2 times compared to last year.
- In some farms, sunflower did not sprout at all, and where it did, it yields only 2-3 c/ha.
- For comparison, in 2024, the yield was 25.1 c/ha, and in peaceful 2021, it was 42.2 c/ha.
Planted areas and crop losses
- In 2025, the area under crops in the region increased to 230 thou hectares (last year – 153 thou hectares).
- At the same time, documents have already been collected for 40 thousand hectares of completely destroyed or damaged crops.
- An additional 20-30 thou hectares of sunflower are planned to be registered as lost.
War as a risk factor
The security situation adds to the climate problems:
- 3 ,200 hectares of fields have been burned due to shelling and drone attacks;
- a lot of agricultural machinery was destroyed;
- farmers have been killed and injured.
Nevertheless, the harvest continues, and some farmers have already started sowing winter barley.
Kherson region is traditionally one of Ukraine’s key agricultural regions, where grain, sunflower and vegetables are grown.
After the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant was blown up in 2023, the region was effectively left without systematic irrigation, which dramatically increased its dependence on weather conditions. The drought combined with the war has become a critical factor: farmers are not only losing crops, but also unable to plan for future seasons due to lack of water and constant shelling.
What’s next?
- If the total amount of damage exceeds UAH 1.2 billion, the region may be declared an emergency zone at the national level. This will pave the way for compensation and support programs.
- At the same time, even if the emergency is recognized, the key problem will remain the lack of irrigation and high risks due to the hostilities.
- Ukrainian agrarian associations call on international partners to consider special support programs for the southern regions, as without investments in irrigation systems and infrastructure restoration, Kherson region may lose its status as an agricultural powerhouse.
What experts and farmers say
Dmytro Yunusov, Director of the Department of Agricultural Development and Irrigation of the Kherson Regional State Administration:
“The average yield in the region is very sad. It is one and a half to two times lower than last year. Although the area under crops has increased.”
Farmers in the region emphasize in their comments to specialized publications that the main problem is not only this year’s drought, but the destruction of the irrigation system after the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station was blown up. Without government programs to restore irrigation, farms risk losing economic stability.
Agricultural market experts add:
- “In 2025, Ukraine will lose a significant share of grain and oilseed production in the southern regions, which will affect its export potential;
- Kherson region may turn from an exporting region into a recipient of subsidies and aid;
- only investments in new irrigation technologies and adaptation to climate change can save the situation in the future.
