Kherson Farmers Shift to Sunflowers and Vegetables Due to Fire Risks and Irrigation Compensation

In the frontline areas of southern Ukraine, particularly in Kherson, farmers are changing their crop structure due to the threats of military actions. An increasing number of farmers are abandoning wheat cultivation in favor of crops that have a lower risk of ignition, such as sunflowers, rapeseed, and vegetables. The government encourages this transition by offering compensation of up to 80% of irrigation costs.

This is reported by AgroReview

Crop Selection: Why Sunflowers and Rapeseed Are Becoming Priorities

One of the reasons for the mass transition of farmers to sunflowers and rapeseed is the high fire risk associated with wheat. Cereal crops, especially during the heading phase or just before harvest, are extremely vulnerable to ignitions, which often occur due to attacks from FPV drones carrying incendiary charges. In contrast, sunflowers and rapeseed contain more moisture in their stems, making them significantly harder to ignite. While this does not guarantee complete protection, it greatly reduces the likelihood of crop loss due to fire.

“Closer to the front line, we are planting either rapeseed or sunflowers with the guys. After all, they don’t burn as easily as wheat. Last year, my father and I lost 400 hectares of wheat in just 15 minutes. A drone came and simply set the fields on fire.”

Moreover, in 2026, sunflowers and rapeseed demonstrate higher profitability compared to wheat, which is particularly relevant for farms in frontline areas given the record costs of planting. Wheat often remains at a zero or negative margin, failing to provide the desired income for farmers.

Government Support and Focus on Vegetable Cultivation

Many farms in Kherson are focusing on vegetable cultivation using drip irrigation systems. This transition is made possible by government compensation — the program covers up to 80% of the costs for installing irrigation systems in frontline and liberated regions. This significantly reduces the financial burden on farmers when switching to new crops.

Each year, the number of farmers applying for compensation increases. The process involves selecting a certified contractor through the DAB, submitting an application, and receiving compensation after the work has been confirmed. The review period for applications is up to 30 working days.

Among the recommended crops for frontline regions in 2026 are:

• Sunflowers — lower risk of ignition, high margin, stable demand.
• Rapeseed — lowest likelihood of fires, in demand among processors.
• Peas — short growing season, able to mature before the dangerous summer season.
• Vegetables with drip irrigation — maximum profitability with a market available.

Wheat is not disappearing completely from the fields, but its cultivation is being moved to areas farther from the front line, where the risk of fires is significantly lower.