More Than Half of the Agricultural Land in Ukraine Is Located in the Zone of Risky Farming

Over 60% of agricultural land in Ukraine is located in the zone of risky farming. This was stated by the head of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine Roman Leshchenko during his speech at the Ukraine 30. Ecology forum.

The Minister of Agrarian Policy said that Ukraine needs re-equipment and appropriate response to environmental threats. Otherwise, the country risks losing its leading position in the agricultural sector. Critical points for Ukrainian farmers are July and August, during which droughts are observed.

Roman Leshchenko recalled that during 4 calendar months in 2020, there was not a single day with precipitation in 4 regions of Ukraine. In southern Ukraine, droughts are becoming more prolonged, which leads to significant risks for the agricultural sector.

The only way to tackle these problems is through precision and sustainable farming and resource optimization. Leshchenko said that the Ministry of Agrarian Policy is taking a number of measures to improve the situation. In particular, degraded land plots are assigned for conservation (as of 2021, 6 million hectares are in need of conservation) and subsequent restoration through tinning, planting of forests, or renaturalization. Also, work is underway to update the irrigation systems.

Also, the head of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy recommended that farmers abandon the standard plowing technology and switch to Mini-Till and Strip-Till technologies. These methods ensure the minimum passage through the field, the concentration of biota in the soil, and the preservation of plant residues on the soil. In addition, such technologies can reduce fuel and fertilizer costs by up to 30%.

In addition, Roman Leshchenko spoke about the state support that operates in Ukraine for the expansion of organic lands. The government plans to increase its size several times for farmers who are engaged in the production of organic products. As of 2021, support is provided in the amount of UAH 5,000 per hectare of land. Farms with organic farming up to 20 hectares can get it.