Olives are planned to be grown in Kherson region

Farmers in the Kherson region, in cooperation with the Canadian MetaCluster TIASI and GREEK CHALLENGE, have planted the first olive seedlings.

According to Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional Organic Association, the initiative's goal is to find alternative crops that are resistant to climate change and suitable for the region's development after the war.

"Together with the founder and CEO of MetaCluster's strategic partner TIASI, Sotiris A. Bouzeas, we planted the first olive tree seedlings in a pre-designed greenhouse," he said.

Olive trees in the Kherson greenhouse. PHOTO: Kherson EBA

Traditional crops that used to be profitable are losing their business appeal due to lower yields in the new climate realities, but they are being replaced by plants that feel comfortable in such conditions.

Olive cultivation requires a special temperature regime, fertilizers, and watering, so they test the climate of the region and test the technology on a small area. In the spring, the seedlings will be transplanted into open ground, and next winter we will see the initial results.

"This initiative is not only about growing olives, but also about restoring agriculture after the war and creating new jobs and attracting investment," the official added.

Earlier, in Mykolaiv region, the farmer created a unique "smart greenhouse" that automatically regulates watering, lighting, and heating using IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Maksym Netudykhata came up with the idea of automation after he lost part of his crops due to lack of watering during a business trip. This was the impetus for creating an innovative greenhouse.

The project was implemented with the support of the Blue Innovation Challenge, where the farmer received a grant of USD 10 thousand. He also invested UAH 500 thousand in a new greenhouse complex.

Олеся Ланцман