The Ukrainian government has approved a financial aid program to support cotton cultivation in the Odessa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions, offering 10,000 hryvnias per hectare. Announced by Minister Vitaly Koval, this initiative aims to establish cotton as a strategic crop in southern Ukraine, taking advantage of favorable climate and local expertise. The program is expected to create jobs, enhance the textile and processing industries, reduce import reliance, and provide a stable supply of raw materials for the defense sector.