Agricultural community asks authorities for UAH 5 bln to launch agro-industrial complex in de-occupied territories – UAC

KYIV. Sept 20 (Interfax-Ukraine) – About UAH 5 billion in the form of preferential long-term loans or one-time non-repayable assistance is required for the speedy resumption of activities of Ukrainian agricultural producers in the territories liberated from Russian invaders, which suffered significant losses during the occupation by Russian troops, the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club association said.

Representatives of the Ukrainian agricultural sector sent a corresponding appeal to Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

As stated in the appeal, since the beginning of September 2022, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have liberated 8,500 square km of the country’s territory from Russian occupation, including almost a third of Kharkiv region, where about 500,000 hectares of agricultural land are cultivated, as well as the livestock industry and food production operate.

"Most of the farmers in the de-occupied territories suffered (during the Russian occupation) significant destruction and theft of their property, equipment, livestock, land. They did not have the opportunity to carry out harvesting work in the summer, they have almost no resources to resume work, to carry out autumn field work, as well as to pay rent to owners of land shares and wages to employees," the statement of the agricultural community says.

Representatives of the agro-industrial complex emphasized that agricultural producers from the territories liberated in September need about UAH 5 billion to resume their activities. Appropriate funds should be attracted as soon as possible either in the form of preferential long-term loans on the terms of collateral guarantees from the state, or in the form of one-time assistance per cultivated area or for the maintenance of livestock.