Impact of mines on Ukraine’s agriculture: A closer look at the heavy toll
In Ukraine, government and international NGOs are struggling to clear mines in a timely manner to meet the needs of farmers who are often forced to do the dangerous work themselves.
Despite having declared 3 million hectares cleared, with 450,000 requiring manual or mechanised intervention, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry’s Mine Action Directorate reports that over 14 million hectares of land are still potentially contaminated by explosive ordnance.
Due to the ongoing hostilities, the exact extent of mined areas in arable land remains unclear. Ukrainian officials estimated that it could range from 470,000 to 2.6 million hectares in 2023.
The toll on Ukraine’s economy is significant, with agriculture accounting for 10-15% of its GDP and a large portion of its exports. The government prioritizes demining civil infrastructure, roads, and residential areas over farmland and forests, leading some farmers to take matters into their own hands.
One such farmer is Ivan from Petrivske, a village in the Kharkiv region. After Russian troops occupied the village and planted mines, Ivan risked his life to clear his 300 hectares of wheat, corn, and buckwheat.
Unfortunately, Ivan’s story is not unique, with many farmers facing similar risks due to the lack of resources for comprehensive demining efforts. Small farms, in particular, are disproportionately affected as they lack the financial and institutional capacity to deal with the threat effectively.
To speed up the process, some farmers turn to unofficial deminers on the black market, posing additional risks due to their lack of experience with modern mines. In response, the UN’s food agency FAO launched a program to reimburse smallholders for 80% of demining costs.
The EU and its member states have committed over €645 million for demining efforts in Ukraine from 2022-2027. State-of-the-art mine-clearing systems have been provided to Ukrainian agencies to enhance their capabilities and clear the remnants of war more efficiently.
The goal is to ensure the safe return of displaced persons and farmers to their homes and fields. By addressing the mine contamination issue, Ukraine aims to revitalize its economy and secure a brighter future for its citizens.
SOURCE
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.