A 21-Year Study of Virtual Water Trade in Ukraine’s Agricultural Sector: Crop Production and Water Use

This study quantitatively evaluates Ukraine’s agricultural virtual water footprint over two decades (2001–2021), focusing on ten representative crops with varying water demands. We assess the environmental and economic implications of virtual water flows and emphasize the need for more sustainable agricultural water management. Our findings reveal a shift in Ukraine toward water-intensive crops despite their high-water requirements, highlighting critical trends in production and trade. While crops like sunflowers and maize generate higher economic returns per unit of weight, less water-intensive crops such as wheat and barley exhibit greater profitability per unit of water consumed, albeit with lower trade volumes. These insights challenge prevailing agricultural practices and underscore the necessity for a more strategic approach that balances economic productivity with responsible water stewardship. Our study provides a data-oriented framework for optimizing water use in Ukrainian agriculture, offering essential guidance for policy interventions and sustainable development.