Cotton is not grown in Ukraine. But since May, experiments in cotton cultivation have been underway at nine sites in the south of the country.
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These are eight farms and one research site of the Ukrainian Institute of Plant Variety Expertise. These are small areas ranging from 0.49 to 1.24 acres. Farmers received around 220 pounds of cotton seeds, sown on 12.36 acres. This is the first time this crop was planted in Ukraine in three decades.
“If we study this crop and learn how to grow it, I think it will be a sustainable profitable business for farmers for the next 50 years. Now I want to see the difference between irrigated and non-irrigated cultivation, under a cover, to understand the technology and, accordingly, for experts to calculate the economics of cultivation.”
Technological maps from the 80s when this crop was grown in Ukraine no longer work, he added. The climate has changed a lot. But judging by the first results, it is safe to say that the varieties of Turkish selection have performed best.
“Every year we plant demo plots with 50-60 varieties of wheat and barley. We are all about experimenting, so we accepted the offer to sow cotton right away. Even though the temperature in the region remained at 113°F for 15 days and the wind was strong. The cotton yielded good results. We seeded three varieties.”
The farmer added that this year they plan to harvest cotton manually. They want to see what potential the crop has and what the yield will be. The only thing the farmer seeks is more guidance from practicing growers from other countries.
“We planted cotton in late May. Now we are waiting for the bolls to open. Then we will start harvesting. This is a rather specific process that runs in several phases during 8 to 10 weeks. The first two harvests are done before the frost, and one is done after, as the bolls of each tier of the plant open.”
The experiment is in progress. In October, farmers will know the yields on their fields and calculate the costs. Then conclusions on the profitability and prospects of this crop for Ukrainian farmers will be made. This will also define the introduction of a state subsidy programme for the new crop.
That report was powered by Latifundist Media, with USAID support provided through Agriculture Growing Rural Opportunities (AGRO) Activity implemented in Ukraine by Chemonics International. For more information, visit their website or follow them on social media.
