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Appointed Ukrainian Minister of Agriculture in December 2020, Roman Leshchenko started to lead an agrarian reform in the country, he was also actively involved in an irrigation support programme. However, the recent war in Ukraine is now threatening to disrupt the 2022 sowing campaign. Thanks to Yurii Honcharenko, editor-in-chief of Zerno magazine, who had to put his work on hold because of Russian attacks, Roman Leshchenko gave an interview to Agra Press (by e-mail). He gives an update on the state of Ukrainian agriculture as of 11 March.
How does the war affect the food supply chain in Ukraine? What do you need from other countries to ensure food security?
First of all, the war hammered export supply chains. Our exports are mainly distributed via maritime transport but now the shipping routes are closed. We are an export-oriented country with 70% of Ukrainian agricultural products which are exported.