Ukrainian farmers are finishing the harvest of cotton, which was sown in trial fields in Odessa with a total area of over 5 hectares.
The appropriate statement was issued by the Ukrainian Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food, Vitaly Koval, on Facebook, reports an Ukrinform correspondent.
In the spring of 2024, experimental cotton fields were planted in Odessa on eight farms and one scientific research plot of the Ukrainian Plant Variety Research Institute. These are small plantations, with an area of 0.2 to 0.5 ha.
“Cotton is a crop from which gunpowder is produced. In times of war, such raw materials are extremely important for Ukraine. Additionally, cotton can be used to produce fabrics and oil,” Koval wrote.
According to him, farmers received 110 kilograms of cotton seeds and sowed over 5 hectares with them. In total, five varieties of cotton were imported to Ukraine: two from Germany, two from the United States and one from Turkey.
According to Koval, cotton plantations in Ukraine are expected to expand to 30,000 hectares next year. The Ministry plans to launch appropriate financing programs for farmers starting such activities.
We remind you that on April 23, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law amending certain laws of Ukraine regarding the distribution of cotton varieties in Ukraine.
Photo: Vitaly Koval, Facebook