Kherson farmers sell harvested watermelons to raise funds for army
Херсонський кавун - символ свободи й міцності. Фото: ХерсON
Rubryka dived into the lives of farmers in the war-shattered Kherson region and made an exclusive report about their newest harvest.
Despite Russian shelling and mining in the de-occupied Kherson communities, local farmers still grow watermelons, a famous crop from the southern regions. Anyone can buy a "Watermelon of Freedom" for a donation and thus support soldiers who are liberating Ukraine.
What is the problem?
Before the full-scale war, the Kherson region grew 35-40% of Ukraine's melons. Around 22.5 thousand hectares of sown fields yielded more than 160,000 tons of fruit harvest. The "striped" watermelons that traveled all over the country disappeared from the market due to the Russian occupation of most of the Kherson region.
What is the solution?
After Ukraine regained control over the right-bank Kherson region, farmers returned to work despite mines and constant shelling. The Kherson watermelon has become much more than just a striped berry; it now symbolizes freedom, struggle, and strength.
Ukrainians will have a chance to taste Kherson watermelons again this summer.
The Free Kherson Watermelon project backed the initiative so watermelons can help Ukrainian farmers. The project became possible thanks to the hard work of the Novovorontsovo farmers and local authorities. All proceeds will help to raise funds for Ukrainian troops on the southern front.
How does it work?
The "Watermelon of Freedom" is a harvest of 500 watermelons, sown after the de-occupation. They were grown by farmer Vitalii Serhiichuk from the Novovorontsov community. Biletsky volunteer brothers, known as co-founders of the Kherson travel agency KhersonON, agreed with the farmer to sell the watermelons for donations to the army.
We are raising money for the boat. As we have agreed with Andrii Seletsky (head of the Novovorontsovo village military administration – ed.), we made sure Kherson watermelons will be exchanged for money. If we exchange a lot of watermelons, we will also buy a motor for the boat. Join this exchange! You will eat a real unique watermelon, bet on winning, and support the locals who will be involved in this project," says Oleksii Biletsky on his Facebook page.
Andrii Seletsky, head of the Novovorontsovo village military administration
Vitalii Serhiichuk survived the occupation. During the Russian regime, the occupiers stole and burned all his equipment, which made him plant and harvest watermelons manually.
Russians contaminated and mined 90% of agricultural land. Our farmers, sometimes risking their own health and lives, are now trying to compensate for the losses of the past year. They sow mainly sunflower, which is the most expensive to export. I am very glad that under such conditions Vitalii Serhiichuk decided to grow a batch of watermelons. He did this to thank the defenders of Ukraine and all those who are helping the community to recover, local authorities say.
Photo: KhersON
The average weight of the watermelon is 5-7 kg. For a donation worth nearly $30, this symbol of the Kherson region will come to the customer in a wooden box, which includes "a bunch of cool things", as the project founders say. The watermelons are packed, decorated, and sent by the local Kherson community, people who know the value of freedom and liberty.
The price for one watermelon is also symbolic and was not chosen by chance: 11.11 is the date of Kherson's liberation from the Russian invaders. All profits from the sale of watermelons go to purchase necessary items for the military who are liberating the left bank of the Kherson region.
Now you can order the Southern spirit, will and power. Watermelon is more than just "eating", it is about being involved, about feeling and uniting. This watermelon grew on a free part of the Kherson land. It was picked by people who know the value of freedom and liberty. But this one should still be sweet, because it was grown and selected for you by professionals who love their land, the project's website says.
Photo: KhersON
Within a few days of the project's existence, Ukrainians have purchased 70 watermelons.
"So, buy a watermelon! Taste the watermelon! Savor life! Appreciate the moment and the opportunity! Do your best to help liberate the Left Bank, Crimea, and Donbas. And we will cut more watermelon with you on the coast of Crimea or on the spoil heap," the organizers of the charity sale encourage.
Those who don't purchase the watermelon will later be able to buy bekmes, a watermelon honey with five Kherson watermelons hidden in 100 grams. The craft store also offers other Kherson souvenirs, the proceeds from which help to equip Ukrainian soldiers, buy Starlink radio stations and liberate the Ukrainian south.
Previously, Ukrainian farmers pledged to gather 6,000 tons of melons in 2023, despite the devastating consequences of war in the Kherson region.
