The farm in the Kyiv region, which was destroyed after the occupation, continues to operate. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and tomatoes are grown there. This year in extremely difficult conditions.
"Blackberries have burned, so we wouldn't have a harvest. Strawberries had to grow in tons this year. But one greenhouse with strawberries survived," - said farm director Artem.
And even the products that were saved were not easy for local farmers to grow. Due to the deficit of fuel, it is difficult to refuel the tractor. Seedlings imported from Europe are replaced by Ukrainian varieties.
"The seedlings were taken from the Chernihiv region. In general, we take the Dutch collection 'Siegent', as they have a much higher yield and better quality. It is very difficult to find fuel. It takes time at gas stations," the man explained.
People from all over the region come there for strawberries or tomatoes. People harvest themselves and pay for it on the farm. However, this year the profits from self-collection will be very low. According to the State Statistics Service, the Kyiv region was among the leaders in vegetable yields in 2021. In the first place is the Kherson region. The temporary occupation of the southern region of Ukraine had a marked effect on market stalls.
Vendors offer fruits and vegetables from last year's harvest because it's much cheaper. But melons and watermelons will be scarce this summer because they are grown mostly in the Kherson region, said the economist Oleg Pendzin.
Source: www.5.ua