The Nova Kakhovka dam wall in Southern Ukraine was destroyed on 6TH June 2023, causing massive flooding and displacing 14 settlements. With tensions high, Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up the dam wall, while Russia claims Ukrainian shelling was responsible. Others suggest it burst naturally.
The dam's destruction will significantly impact irrigated farmland in the Kherson Oblast region, particularly in the vegetable sector. Up to 80% of Ukrainian vegetables are grown in this region, as well as a substantial amount of Ukrainian fruit, all of which rely on the dam's water supply for irrigation. Vegetables grown in the Kherson Oblast region include tomatoes, onions, eggplants, cucumbers, and peppers, while fruit grown in the region consists of peaches, apricots, cherries, and grapes. As the region receives little precipitation, most of which comes in the winter, irrigation from the dam is crucial.
The full extent of the agricultural damage will be clearer as freshwater becomes scarce for irrigation upstream and downstream of the dam wall. The consequences are expected to pose significant challenges for the fruit and vegetable sector, affecting food security in the Kherson Oblast region and Ukraine, according to market sources.
Source: Mintec
Inside Red Line- Russian Controlled
