The loss of the Kahovka reservoir has become not only the largest man-made disaster for Ukrainians but also a tragedy on a national scale. The agricultural industry in the south of the country has practically been destroyed.

The entire crop of melons was washed away in the flooded lands. Ukrainians should not expect cheap tomatoes, onions, aubergines, and peppers as all of them went away with the water for many years. Due to flooding and destruction, the areas of perennial plantations will significantly decrease shortly.

Moreover, this calamity is not just for a year. The lost irrigation system cannot be restored even over five years. Today, 94% of the land in the Kherson region is without irrigation. The powerful stream of water washed away the top, fertile layer of soil. The ground is covered in toxic sludge from the Kakhovka reservoir. The productivity of all crops will decrease multiple times. Before the war, the Kherson region was not only the breadbasket but also the main supplier of vegetables and fruits to the markets of Ukraine.

Partially, other regions of the country will solve the vegetable problem. They have allocated huge areas for vegetable crops. However, they will not be able to completely replace Kherson producers. Therefore, Ukraine is still dependent on imports, but they are not cheap.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com