Main points
- Farmers in the occupied territories are forced to destroy vegetables due to sales blockades and logistical problems.
- High transportation costs and imports of cheap products from Russia complicate the situation for local producers.
Vegetables from farmers in occupation / Photo Magnific
The agricultural sector in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine is experiencing a deep crisis due to problems with marketing and logistics. Farmers are unable to sell their crops and are forced to destroy vegetables to avoid further losses.
The logistics crisis paralyzed the agricultural market
Ukrainian farmers in the temporarily occupied territories are in a critical situation due to the virtual collapse of logistics and the lack of stable channels for selling their products, the Center of National Resistance reports. Due to the inability to sell their crops, farmers are suffering large financial losses and are increasingly forced to simply destroy vegetables.
One of the main problems has been congestion at checkpoints in the direction of occupied Crimea. Trucks with produce can be left there for up to three days, during which time the vegetables spoil and lose their marketable appearance before they reach buyers.
The situation is complicated by the extremely high cost of transportation, which often exceeds the potential profit from sales. Additionally, the region suffers from a lack of storage and processing facilities, which does not allow products to be stored for longer or processed for further sale.
Local production displaces cheap imports from Russia
Despite the fact that farmers are forced to get rid of surplus crops, there is no significant reduction in the price of vegetables for the population. Due to complex logistics and the influence of intermediaries, prices in stores remain high, which increases social tension against the background of low purchasing power of people.
Another blow to local producers was the massive import of cheap products from Russia. Because of this, Ukrainian farmers under occupation are losing competitiveness and accumulating losses.
Experts warn that the next sowing campaign is at risk due to financial problems and the lack of normal export channels. According to their forecasts, the agricultural sector of the occupied territories will continue to degrade, which could create serious risks for the region's food security.
Farmers ask to include used equipment in the frontline areas support program
-
Farmers are calling for a review of the state compensation program to include support for used equipment for frontline areas.
-
The government updated compensation rules, allowing reimbursement of up to 40% of the cost of equipment for farms in combat zones.
At the same time, farmers insist that such support should extend not only to Ukrainian machines, but also to imported equipment. This will allow farmers to respond faster to challenges and ensure the stability of production even in wartime.