Delayed Spring Sowing in Ukraine Due to Harsh Winter Conditions

Ukraine's spring sowing season is facing significant delays due to the harsh winter conditions experienced this year, which are reported to be the coldest in decades. Thick layers of ice and snow, particularly in central and northern regions, are hindering farmers from beginning their planting activities. According to Oleh Khomenko, CEO of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, the ground remains frozen, with 5 centimeters (approximately 2 inches) of snow still covering fields. Farmers typically start sowing spring crops from early March to mid-May, but this year, they may be delayed by two to four weeks. The limited timeframe for sowing, now reduced to a 45-day window, poses operational challenges, especially as many agricultural workers have been mobilized for military service.

Kyiv Independent

The ongoing war in Ukraine has compounded the difficulties faced by farmers. The conflict has restricted access to about 23% of agricultural land due to landmines, and the agricultural sector's contribution to the country's GDP has decreased from 15% pre-war to around 10% currently. Additionally, farmers are grappling with rising fuel costs and a fertilizer deficit, exacerbated by Russian attacks on critical supply routes. Khomenko noted that Ukraine is short approximately 220,000 metric tons of fertilizer, which could lead to a 5% reduction in crop yields. Despite these challenges, the Economy Ministry has stated that there are no anticipated food shortages, as farmers reportedly have sufficient reserves of fuel, seeds, and other resources.

Kyiv Independent

Taras Vysotsky, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, emphasized that farmers have prepared adequately for the sowing season, with reserves of essential resources available for several weeks or even months. He noted that while fuel costs have risen, their impact on production costs remains minimal, affecting only 1-2% of the final cost of crops. The Ministry of Economy has indicated that the area sown with spring crops in 2026 is expected to remain stable compared to the previous year, even in front-line regions where farmers plan to utilize all available and safe land.

Spring sowing in Ukraine this year starts later than averageKyiv Independent

• “It means that we will have to work 24 hours, seven days a week. This work will be twice as difficult because we have a lack of human power as a lot of agricultural workers were mobilized,” — Oleh Khomenko, CEO of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club

Kyiv Independent

• “Farmers have a reserve of basic resources for spring sowing for at least several weeks, and often for several months.” — Taras Vysotsky, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine

Spring sowing in Ukraine this year starts later than average

As Ukraine emerges from a severe winter, the delayed start of the spring sowing season presents significant challenges for farmers. While the Economy Ministry assures that there are no immediate food shortages expected, the operational difficulties and reduced planting window could have long-term implications for the agricultural sector. The situation remains dynamic as farmers adapt to the conditions while navigating the ongoing impacts of the war.

Kyiv Independent