Omsk's crops wither under extreme heat as drought crisis deepens

Omsk Region’s Minister of Agriculture, Nikolai Drofa, has inspected farms in Novovarshavsky and Pavlogradsky Districts. The visit on 24 June 2026 comes as crops in the area face severe growth problems. Extreme heat and a lack of rainfall have left fields struggling to survive. Spring planting in Novovarshavsky District finished on time. Yet, conditions have since worsened. Precipitation during the growing season has reached only 5–7 millimetres, far below normal levels.

Soil temperatures have soared above 60°C, scorching the outer leaves of plants. This has stunted growth and hindered development across both districts. Drofa confirmed the lack of moisture and poor plant health during his inspection.

The problems follow earlier reports of abnormal weather killing crops in Omsk Region. Pea fields were among the first affected, with disease spreading due to the harsh conditions. Without rain in the coming days, the situation for crops in the region will turn critical. The extreme heat and dry soil have already caused visible damage. Farmers are now waiting for a change in weather to prevent further losses.