Kherson Watermelons Rot as Conflict Wrecks Ukrainian Harvest

This year's watermelon harvest in Ukraine's Kherson region has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict. According to Viktor Gordienko, head of the Association of Farmers and Private Landowners of the Kherson Region, around 80% of the watermelons grown in the area were unable to be transported due to logistical issues.

The remaining farmers who managed to transport their produce were offered a meager 2 hryvnias per kilogram, while some transporters turned back at the first checkpoint. This is despite Kherson watermelons being traditionally in high demand.

Logistical problems aren't limited to watermelons, with a significant portion of wheat still being stored by farmers due to lack of transportation options. The grain is being sold at low prices as a result.

Farmers in the region have been severely affected by Russian attacks, which have destroyed crops, equipment, and infrastructure. Approximately 15,000 hectares of crops were lost due to hostilities, with around 2,000 hectares of winter wheat being burned on one farm alone.