The spring sowing campaign has started in Ukraine. It is possible that this year’s harvest will be smaller. This is due to hostilities in the most fertile areas.
Nevertheless, farmers are now doing their best to provide the population with food. This was emphasized during the briefing by Tetyana Hetman, Director of the Department of Agro-Industrial Development of Lviv OVA.
Last year, Ukraine harvested 100 million tons of grain and oilseeds, of which more than 50% was exported. In the Lviv region, the gross harvest of grain and legumes amounted to 1.8 million tons and 540 thousand tons of oilseeds. The harvest of vegetables and potatoes also amounted to more than 2 million tons.
“This year, farmers of Lviv region will do everything possible to achieve last year’s grain and oilseeds. But even if the average yield is lower, we will definitely be able to meet the domestic demand. In addition, we must not forget that Lviv region is a good potato region. Potatoes are an excellent substitute for cereals and pasta, which are currently in short supply, “said Tatiana Hetman.
On the topic: Due to the martial law, the Government imposes a ban on the export of mineral fertilizers from Ukraine.
Due to limited funding and high costs for the agro-industrial sector, production costs are likely to increase.
“The price of products on the market is shaped by demand. For example, there is now an increase in the price of canned food and a decrease in the price of fresh meat. Enterprises are forced to adapt to new working conditions. Our task is to help manufacturers in the process of transformation and provide them with contacts of new potential partners, “said Tatiana Hetman.
At the same time, there is the question of providing fuel for the sowing campaign. The Lviv region is looking for a reserve of fuel in the region to provide farmers. This issue is also currently being resolved in the Government.
“We are communicating with gas stations so that they form a certain reserve for the needs of sowing,” added Tatiana Hetman.