Satellite images indicate significant crop losses in Ukraine

Published 2024년 11월 21일

Tridge summary

Ukraine, one of the world's largest agricultural exporters, has seen a significant decrease in crop yields due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. A study published in Environmental Research Letters found a 20% drop in wheat yields in the partially occupied Kherson region. Other research suggests that the average production of wheat and other crops in war-torn areas of Ukraine has decreased by 37% compared to pre-war levels. The lack of regular fertilization and irrigation is identified as the primary cause of grain loss, although land mines, military fortifications, and destruction of agricultural infrastructure may also contribute. The Ukrainian Grain Association predicts that total wheat production will not surpass 23 million tonnes in the 2024/25 season, marking a significant decline from the 33 million tonnes produced before the invasion.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

In 2021, Ukraine was one of the world's largest producers of agricultural products. It exported 15% of all corn on the world market and 10% of all wheat. But after the invasion of Russia in February 2022, the volume of the harvest in Ukraine decreased, reports Science. New high-resolution satellite images show just how much crops have been lost: According to an analysis published in November 2024 in Environmental Research Letters, wheat yields fell by 20% in just one partially occupied Kherson region. The main reason, scientists say, is that farmers are leaving their land. Such a situation may occur in other war-torn regions of the world. A new study highlights the "critical impact of the conflict" on agriculture in Ukraine. Previous studies have provided some insight into crop losses in Ukraine and global food security issues due to the invasion. For example, a study published in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment in June 2024 found that the average production ...

Source: Agroconf