The Ukrainian vegetable industry will not soon return to pre-war production levels. The total market decline is estimated at 25-30%, according to Ivo Kyumyurdzhiev, the director of Rijk Zwaan Ukraine. The company Rijk Zwaan has been active in Ukraine since 1998, providing vegetable seeds to farmers in the country
There will be difficulties in resuming vegetable production in the southern and eastern regions for at least the next two to three years, even after the end of the war. The area needs demining of the lands, renovation, and the reconstruction of the irrigation systems.
Industrial producers from affected zones are trying to restore vegetable cultivation and increase production in relatively safe regions.
They face difficulties due to a lack of available arable land, irrigation, working capital and technical base. In addition, vegetable farmers sharply feel the problems with the working power.
There is an increase in planting across nearly all crops compared to 2022. The largest expansion of cultivated areas is seen in fast-growing vegetables. However, this does not fully compensate for the market's need for vegetable products.
source (Ukrainian): interfax.com.ua