Ukraine's Maize Harvest in Jeopardy as Russia Blocks Black Sea Ports

Ukraine's maize harvest is under threat due to Russia's campaign of attacks that has halted agricultural exports from Ukraine's Black Sea ports. The country relies heavily on these exports, with about 90% of its wheat, maize, and sunflower seed exports going through the Black Sea.

Farmers like Serhiy Rybalko are struggling to sell their crops as no one is buying due to the blockade. Rybalko lost two-thirds of his land when Russia occupied a large part of southern Ukraine at the start of the invasion in 2022 and is now facing another challenge.

The Ukrainian government has introduced an emergency aid package for farmers, but it may not be enough to help them cover production costs as prices have slumped due to local supplies accumulating. Analysts estimate that farmers will only be able to make a profit from exporting wheat, making it difficult for them to afford the next harvesting cycle.

The blockade has major implications for inflation as record heatwaves and war in the Middle East drive up costs. Ukraine's deputy head of the main farmers' union UAC, Denys Marchuk, warned that famine could occur in some import-dependent countries across Africa and the Middle East unless supplies arrive on time.