Ukraine is among the world’s leaders in the rise of temperature. For many farmers, irrigation is the last resort to save their crops from the extreme heat.
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“We observe high temperatures and recurrent droughts not only in the southern regions, but also in the eastern and central regions. This adversely affects corn, soybeans and other crops. That is why irrigation is now a must for Ukrainian farmers to mitigate weather risks. Farmers themselves are already investing in it.’
The country inherited the largest reclamation system in Europe built in the Soviet period.
“Ukraine’s irrigation system is 85% worn out. This was aggravated by the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. This left huge areas without a water source at all.”
In 2022, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law enabling farmers to form water user organizations. Now farmers can irrigate their fields independently and without government involvement. One such organizationthese capacities are not enough with climate change and a temperature of 98 °F is headed by farmer Artur Nalbandian.
“This pump station is designed to cover 1,000 hectares. Today, with climate change and a temperature of 98 °F, these capacities are not enough. Its potential is greater, but the old equipment cannot handle it, so the pumping station needs upgrading. We are renewing the equipment on our own, and have already launched a pump station that was out of operation for more than two decades.”
With the new equipment, the farmer plans to install irrigation on around 250 acres. It will help reduce resource consumption of electricity and water by 10%.
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.
