Abonné

Ukraine Minister of Agriculture Roman Leshchenko « We need diesel and crop protection products supplies from EU »

Yurii Goncharenko
- - 4 min
TO-DE irrigation

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.

It is difficult to quickly replace goods, especially those that are imported. In the first place we are referring to crop protection products and fuel, which are necessary for the rapid growth of seedlings. To ensure food security, we must now complete all the spring fieldwork in time. But we are in a state of emergency, we need supplies of diesel and crop protection products from Europe. For other goods we are not in such a crisis as we are still able to cover our needs.

We also decided to ban the export of fertiliser from Ukraine. As war spurs fear of shortages, we are prompted to keep important mineral fertilisers for our domestic market. I want to underline that this forced ban is temporary. It is implemented to restore the supplies of some specific goods on the domestic market and to organise the sowing campaigns.

To what extent have the main export infrastructures of grain been affected? How long will it take to be repaired, how much will it cost?

Currently, the export infrastructure is blocked, but not critically damaged. Therefore,  if the sea transport is less congested, we can resume exports within a week.

How does the war affect Ukraine's agriculture,  in particular, the coming spring sowing campaign? What level of production can reach Ukrainian agriculture this year ?

Currently, there is no impact on spring crops, as their active sowing will begin as fromApril 7. At the same time, we  are not expecting a record- high harvest  - the production of spring crops will be at least 30% lower than the previous year. Whether we will be able to reach 70% of our production capacity will depend on diesel supplies, other factors affecting production and Russian military operations in the country.

You recently announced that farmers and agricultural workers are exempted from carrying out military service How many of them already left their farms so far? How does this affect production?

 Yes, we have started the process of exempting farmers from military mobilization to successfully start the sowing campaign. At present, farmers cannot work in areas of active hostilities , otherwise, there has been no work interruptions in the rest of the country. All livestock activities are carried out on a daily basis and crop are expected to be sown in April. 

Restez au courant en temps réel !

Suivez des thématiques, des projets législatifs, des entreprises et des personnalités pour être notifié dès que nous publions un article.

We heard about problems with seed logistics and the difficulties for farmers in obtaining loans to buy imported goods. What is the situation?

Logistics are indeed a problem. Today, all logistics are redirected primarily to rail transport with European countries: Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland.

As far as credit is concerned, the state is considering setting up a preferential credit mechanism for farmers so that they can buy all the necessary means of production. In coming days, decisions will be taken and announce to farmers.

What is the importance of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in terms of agriculture?

A large part of these regions have been temporarily occupied for the past eight years. Therefore, these territories worked to cover the population's own internal needs and did not play a critical role in ensuring Ukraine's food security.

What is your position on the fact that EU food companies do not leave Russia, arguing that they must maintain food security?

My deep conviction is that during war there can be no "half-tones " and "middle ground". Either you support the aggressor, or you refuse to cooperate with him until he stops all his criminal activities.

Only if the European community asserts its unity and a strong position by completely refusing financing the occupier, that the latter will be more inclined to make concessions and negotiate. Especially since food, unlike clothing or appliances, is really a basic necessity.