Farmers raise concerns as staple crops become increasingly difficult to cultivate: 'Risking the loss of the entire harvest'

Farmers in Eastern Europe are facing growing difficulties as prolonged droughts threaten agricultural production and water resources. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns have made conditions more conducive to land degradation in areas that were previously considered safe from such challenges.

The Kharkiv region in Ukraine has witnessed three years of declining crop yields, even as farmers continue to invest heavily in their land. Andrii Voronkin, a local farmer, shared that wheat yields have plummeted from 5-6 tons per hectare ten years ago to just 3 tons today.

"The most intense frosts occur early in the morning, from 4 to 6 A.M.," Voronkin explained. "In just two hours, these frosts can destroy nearly all blossoms, leading to the total loss of the harvest."

During the summer of 2025, soil temperatures soared to 140F, with air humidity dropping to 25-30%. Vira Balabukh, a climatologist from the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute, attributed the changing conditions to global warming, which has pushed Ukraine's steppe region much farther north, making it increasingly dry.

Why Are Droughts a Major Concern?

Although extreme weather events have always been part of the climate, scientists now agree that human activities are intensifying them. As global temperatures rise, atmospheric instability increases, enabling warmer air to hold more moisture. This leads to more frequent and intense rainfall events. However, when the rain finally arrives, it often comes in heavy downpours that the soil cannot absorb in time, causing runoff and leaving farmlands and ecosystems vulnerable to drought.

Research indicates that by the mid-2040s, Ukraine will experience increasingly severe conditions, with many regions facing near-annual droughts. Similarly, the European Climate Service Copernicus recorded the hottest summer ever in Western Europe in 2024.

What Measures Are Being Taken to Address Droughts?

The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute has introduced POSUKHA, a free online tool that offers 14-day drought forecasts, allowing farmers to better plan for irrigation and prepare for extreme weather conditions. Additionally, the World Wildlife Fund-Ukraine highlights the importance of planting shelterbelts in mixed forests to retain soil moisture, reduce erosion, and promote biodiversity.

This past June, 43 hectares of new trees were planted in the Izium area of Kharkiv, with plans to restore another 2.7 hectares by the end of the year. These efforts aim to combat soil erosion and improve water retention.

How Can You Help?

Taking everyday actions and supporting policies that address climate challenges can contribute to broader systemic changes both in your community and globally. Every step counts in mitigating the impact of climate change and securing agricultural sustainability.

Author: Chloe Ramirez