Omsk's crops face collapse as drought and 60°C soil bake fields

Crops in Omsk’s Novovarshavsky District are struggling due to extreme heat and a severe lack of rain. Spring planting finished on time, but the growing season has seen almost no precipitation. The situation is now critical for local farmers. On 24 June 2026, Omsk Region’s Minister of Agriculture, Nikolai Drofa, visited Novovarshavsky and Pavlogradsky Districts. He inspected farms where crops are suffering from stunted growth and scorched leaves. Soil temperatures in the area have climbed above 60°C.

The districts have received only 5–7 millimetres of rain so far this season. This is far below the amount needed for healthy plant development. Without rain in the coming days, the crop outlook will worsen significantly. The lack of moisture and extreme heat are already damaging crops. If rainfall does not arrive soon, the situation will become critical for farmers. Fields in both districts remain at serious risk.