In addition to the battles at the front, Ukraine is also engaged in a significant economic war, the result of which will determine the existence of the country. Russia is well aware of the crucial areas to target and is making every possible effort to harm Ukraine’s economy. Despite the economic crisis getting worse by the day, Ukraine is resisting and showing a miracle of endurance. Is there a chance for a favorable outcome in this challenging battle?
Look at the root
The agricultural sector has always been a vital component of Ukraine’s economy. Unfortunately, since the start of the war, the Russian Federation has been actively attempting to destroy it. This has been achieved through two main methods:
– by the mining of agricultural lands, which cannot be used immediately even after de-occupation;
– by the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP, which caused the flooding of a large area of fertile land.
These actions were carried out within a year of the start of the war. It is evident that Russia will continue to increase the scale of pollution of Ukrainian lands.
What’s done?
Ukraine is actively taking steps to clear agricultural land of priority importance, without waiting for the end of the war. Currently, about 25% of this land, which amounts to approximately 100,000 hectares, has been demined. The total area of this land is currently 470,000 hectares, but this figure is subject to change. Unfortunately, it is common for the Russians to have caused environmental harm during their occupation of certain territories.
Those areas that have already been cleaned are completely ready for economic activity. In the spring and summer, clearing works are carried out ahead of schedule. The duration of the plan is set for 4 years but it will depend on the pace of de-occupation in the future.
Decisions at the government level
A strategy for mine action has been developed in Ukraine. To aid in land demining, a resolution is in the works to simplify the production, certification, and purchasing process of specialized equipment for demining. This will enable the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other mine action organizations to speed up the process of making agricultural lands available.
It has been planned to clear an additional 65,000 hectares by the year-end, which can be used for cultivating winter wheat varieties.
