Agricultural Minister names one of most problematic industries
Share
In Ukraine, the livestock industry has significantly declined, and in particular, we have slipped to the lowest level of consumption of red meat — beef. As of 1991, there were 28 million heads of cattle, but today there are only 2.3 million. A reduction of more than 12 times.
Vitalii Koval, Minister of Agrarian Policy, told Novyny.LIVE.
"The livestock sector needs to be developed and supported, and markets need to be opened for Ukrainian agricultural products, although there are issues. Sometimes partners allow us to open markets, sometimes not. The ministry's task today is to shape the agro-processing market so that we become an agro-industrial country," the Minister said.
According to him, Ukraine will definitely feed its population because it is a country of people who love their land. The production of chicken meat, which replaces beef, has been growing well.
"The agricultural sector supports 14 million jobs, so there’s no risk of going hungry. Animal agriculture, in particular, is a key part of the industry, processing grains, milk, and meat, and creating more employment opportunities. A cattle farm covering 1 thousand hectares can provide 50 jobs, while a 1 thousand-hectare crop farm might only need 9–10 seasonal workers. This difference is significant," Koval said.
The Minister also spoke about preparations for the sowing season. According to him, Ukraine has already sown 5 million 400 thousand hectares of winter crops, and 1 million 100 thousand hectares of winter rapeseed. This means that farmers are confident in next year's harvest, contributing to Ukraine's economy.
"We have maintained the situation, and I am grateful to each farmer for this, because Ukraine has not stopped. Farmers - are the people who have not betrayed their land. They continue to sow. I would like to remind you that last year's contribution to the Ukrainian economy was 1 trillion 200 billion UAH, which is 20% of the country's total GDP," the Minister summarized.
As a reminder, households in several oblasts, as well as small farmers, can receive financial assistance. The Ukrainian Agriculture Support Program is implemented by the international humanitarian organization Mercy Corps with the support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
Also, the dollar exchange rate in Ukraine is quite dynamic and changes within a few kopecks every day. Our citizens decide at their own discretion where to buy/sell currency — in banks, exchange offices or on the black market. Experts say that it is better to trust banking institutions, as they are the safest places to make an exchange.
