As of February 24 this year, preparations for plant protection that were sent from abroad to Ukraine have been blocked in Turkish seaports. This was reported by the consulting agency UkrAgroConsult.
We are talking about the volume of production for the sown area of over 3 million hectares. At the same time, most of the cargo is needed by Ukrainian farmers immediately.
The problem is extremely serious and affects every Ukrainian farmer. Today in Turkey there are still goods belonging to the largest importers and manufacturers of PPP (Plant Protection Products). Among the blocked products are both ready-made drugs and raw materials for their production in Ukraine.
Most of the drugs should be used in the fields from April 10-15. In particular, a large amount of soil herbicides and related active substances has been blocked, the deficit of which in Ukraine today is a record.
The official reasons for the blockade of Ukrainian goods by the Turkish side raise many questions, as they contradict the international practice of maritime transport.
The situation is further complicated by the requirement to involve only Turkish carriers in the transportation of goods from seaports. At the same time, Turkish carriers are not ready to go to Ukraine, as this is a very big risk for foreign carriers.
Today, PPP suppliers are making a titanic effort to set up supply chains for the necessary products to Ukraine, as all ports in Ukraine are closed. However, Ukrainian companies must be able to pick up their cargo from Turkey.
Unlocking PPE for Ukrainian agricultural producers is possible at the governmental level. Importer companies and relevant associations have already appealed to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and are trying to jointly intensify efforts and agree with the Turkish side on the rules under which Ukrainian cargo owners could deliver them to Ukraine.