Odesa region is preparing for a significant increase in yields in 2024 thanks to the implementation of an ambitious reclamation project. According to the plans, irrigation is to be restored in the region over an area of approximately 100 thousand hectares. The document that defines these goals is contained in the Program of Socio-Economic and Cultural Development of Odesa Region for 2023 and the Main Areas of Development for 2024-2025, Yug.Today reports.

The document sets out the intention to increase grain yields in the region by 50% and vegetable yields by 85%. The plan envisages active restoration of irrigation systems and improvement of land areas.

The region's leaders are focused on developing vegetable growing and horticulture, which will help strengthen the fruit and vegetable processing sector. Initiatives are aimed at establishing and efficiently operating processing plants. Fertile soils are of great importance in the region, but to achieve the goals, it is necessary to restore and upgrade reclamation irrigation systems. In addition, it is planned to actively develop a network of cold storage facilities for fruits and vegetables along the main roads of the region.

The government has approved 12 priority sites for the restoration of irrigation, for which it plans to allocate UAH 750 million. These steps are aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the region's agricultural sector and increasing land productivity.