This year, the south of Odesa region faced serious problems due to dry conditions. As a result of the prolonged drought, the grain harvest in Odesa region turned out to be much lower than expected — up to 40 centners per hectare on average. Sunflower and corn were the most affected, where crop losses reached 50-60% of the planned volumes.

As "ProAgro Group" reports with reference to "Ukrinform" information, these data were announced by Oleg Kiper, the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration. According to him, the lack of irrigation became one of the main reasons for such a significant reduction in the harvest. At the same time, in areas where drip irrigation systems are used, the situation looks much better. For example, in one of the farms of the Podilsk district, where drip irrigation is installed, the yield reaches up to 70 quintals per hectare.

Kiper noted that the temperature in the region increases every year, which creates new challenges for farmers. According to his words, the regional government is actively working to overcome the consequences of the drought. In particular, works are being carried out to clean channels, install new pumps and fill drying lakes.

At the moment, land reclamation projects covering 140,000 hectares are also being implemented. Oleg Kiper expressed hope for support from the US for the implementation of these projects, noting that negotiations are currently underway with international partners.

Thus, Odesa is in a difficult situation due to unfavorable climatic conditions, which requires active actions at the level of the regional administration and the state to improve the situation in the agricultural sector.