Agriculture in Crimea is on the verge of collapse: subsidies without water do not save crops

Crimean agriculture is on the brink due to drought. The terrorist country Russia plans to provide subsidies, but without water it is impossible to save the crops.

This was reported by Krym. Realities.

The occupation authorities of Crimea plan to receive almost 3 billion rubles in federal subsidies in 2026 to support agriculture, including viticulture, horticulture and essential oil crops. At the same time, the peninsula is in a period of drought, making any financial injections dependent on water availability.

In 2025, spring frosts and a lack of moisture affected grain and vineyards, and water shortages forced a reduction in the planting of water-dependent crops such as corn, rice, and soybeans. Outdoor vegetable production, as well as meat and dairy farming, also suffered significant losses.

The Russian Minister of Agriculture in occupied Crimea Denis Kratyuk said that in 2026 the peninsula will receive 2.7 billion rubles, of which almost 930 million will be spent on viticulture, the industry that provides the highest profitability and employment. However, the official did not specify the timing of these funds, and part of the aid is provided in the form of preferential lending.

The key problem for Crimean farmers is the lack of fresh water. After the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station dam in 2023, the peninsula lost Dnipro water and now relies on underground springs and reservoirs. The Russian authorities promise to build additional reservoirs and restore the North Crimean Canal, but these plans are long-term and are designed to last until 2030.

Experts have warned that even the restoration of the canal will not guarantee an effective water supply: about 70-80% of the water can leak due to poor hydraulic engineering. Under such conditions, the Crimean agriculture will remain extremely dependent on Russian subsidies and external factors.

Crimea has also found itself at the center of a fuel crisis again - this is the second wave in recent times. First, the popular gasoline ran out at gas stations, and soon after, diesel fuel completely disappeared from the market, leaving drivers and utilities without the necessary resources to operate.

Анна Бальчінос