Due to unusual weather patterns in Ukraine, it's possible to grow persimmons and bananas, but there will be challenges with potato cultivation.

The abnormally warm winter in Ukraine has led to an unexpected phenomenon — flowers have started blooming significantly earlier than usual. Winter crops are also ripening quickly, with some areas seeing maturation up to a month ahead of schedule. This creates conditions for a potential third harvest.

This was reported by the head of the Department of Applied Meteorology and Climatology at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vera Balabukh, in an interview with "Glavkom". She noted that farmers are already selecting buckwheat for the third sowing, which can ripen by October.

Will Persimmons Replace Potatoes?

With the warming climate, Ukraine may gain access to cultivating subtropical crops. For instance, in Kharkiv, temperatures by the end of the century could match those currently found in Crimea. In the Ternopil region, it will become possible to grow crops such as persimmons, citrus fruits, and figs. Some scientists are already calling Polissya "the new oil and grain belt of Ukraine," as it maintains a balance of heat and moisture, while the south gradually suffers from its lack.

Despite the warming, there are still significant risks of spring invasions of cold air, according to the expert. Frosts are not uncommon in Ukraine in April. Breeders have already developed plant varieties that can adapt to Ukrainian conditions. For instance, persimmons have been successfully cultivated in the Kyiv Botanical Garden for over 30 years.

Familiar Vegetables May Become Scarce

Rising temperatures significantly impact the cultivation of potatoes, cucumbers, and cabbage. In June, when potatoes are forming, the soil should not be too hot; otherwise, the crop may start to rot. In southern Ukraine, unfavorable conditions for potatoes have already developed, necessitating changes in planting times or the introduction of new technologies.

Growing cucumbers and cabbage is becoming increasingly challenging — they require a substantial amount of moisture. The deficit is becoming more apparent, with little snow in winter and small rivers drying up. Traditional methods, where vegetables were planted in spring and simply watered as needed, are no longer effective.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported that climate changes, which are exacerbated by the impact of military actions in Ukraine, could become even more radical. Scientists predict that the climate will become unstable — drought periods will alternate with floods. This will affect the agricultural sector — coffee prices have already increased several times compared to previous years.