The state of harvesting, storage and export of agricultural products, as well as preparations for sowing winter crops for the 2023 harvest, were discussed in the Government during a conference call with heads of regions chaired by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. This is reported by Government portal.
The Head of the Government conveyed his words of gratitude to the farmers who heroically harvest crops, especially in those areas where shelling continues and there are mined fields.
“Despite all the troubles, the harvest continues. According to the information of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, during the harvest period, grain harvesting was carried out on an area of 3.5 million hectares, in fact 12 million tons of grain of the new crop were collected,” noted Denys Shmyhal.
The Prime Minister emphasized that thanks to the coordinated work of the state and the leadership of the President of Ukraine, the operation of Odessa seaports has actually been unblocked. Today, the first ship with Ukrainian grain has already passed inspection in Istanbul. According to the head of the Government, this will provide additional opportunities for grain export and more confidence for farmers.
“In total, in June we exported 3.2 million tons out of the 5 tons that were required. Exports are gradually increasing by rail, road, and through the Danube ports. Sea ports will significantly expand these capacities and farmers will get new opportunities to sell their products. The state is doing everything necessary for this,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
The government, as Denys Shmyhal noted, is developing and improving the conditions for the participation of agricultural producers in the “5-7-9” state lending program. According to the Prime Minister, more than 52% of this program is aimed at lending to representatives of agrarian business.
“In addition, we introduced grant support. Already this week, the first applicants will receive grants for the development of horticulture, greenhouses, for the development of processing and micro-enterprises. More than 5,000 applications have already been submitted and processed. We will continue the implementation of this job creation program through the provision of appropriate grants,” the head of the Government emphasized.