Full Breakdown
Reclaiming the Fields: Ukrainian Farmers' Struggle Post-Invasion
10/27/2025, 7:43:54 AM
The Impact of War on Agriculture in Ukraine
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian farmers have faced unprecedented challenges in reclaiming their agricultural lands. Valerii and Yurii, brothers from Dovhenke, returned to find their farm devastated, with their house reduced to rubble and their equipment destroyed or stolen. The brothers began the arduous task of demining their property, which had been contaminated with unexploded ordnance and debris. Valerii noted, “It was hard to find the money to buy what we needed to work with,” highlighting the financial strain that accompanies the physical labor of restoring their land.
Environmental Degradation and Agricultural Challenges
The war has left lasting scars on the soil, with many farmers reporting significant degradation. Valerii expressed concern over the quality of the soil, stating, “The soil is burnt out, it has become like sand, all of the minerals have gone.” This contamination has severely impacted crop yields, with farmers like Valerii observing that “nothing grows in the area around the craters.” The loss of biodiversity is evident, as Valerii lamented the absence of bees and the health issues faced by livestock.
Personal Stories of Resilience
In Andriivka, Maryna and her family are also navigating the aftermath of war. After being cut off from essential services during the occupation, they returned to their land with hopes of reviving their farming practices. Maryna reminisced about the joy of working the land, stating, “Even the smell of the earth when you work is a pleasure.” Her family, equipped with outdated Soviet machinery, is determined to restore their agricultural heritage despite the obstacles.
The Role of Demining Efforts
Demining operations are crucial for the recovery of agricultural lands. The Fondation Suisse de Déminage (FSD), under a UN World Food Program and FAO project, has begun clearing the land for farmers like Valerii and Maryna. However, the financial burden remains a concern. Maryna pointed out that while the state has allocated funds for demining, farmers are still required to pay taxes on cleared land, which she believes should be exempt for at least a year to facilitate recovery.
Criticism of Government Support
Despite some financial assistance, many farmers feel that the support is insufficient. Maryna expressed skepticism about the state's role, stating, “We don’t expect much from the state. The most important thing is that they don’t introduce new taxes.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among small-scale farmers who have lost everything and are now rebuilding from scratch.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Recovery
As Ukrainian farmers like Yurii, Valerii, and Maryna work to reclaim their fields, their stories embody a profound connection to the land. The future of Ukraine's agriculture will depend not only on the physical restoration of the fields but also on the resilience and determination of its farmers. In the coming years, the return of biodiversity and productivity will be essential indicators of recovery, as they strive to revive the fertile lands that are integral to Ukraine's identity and economy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “there is no field we have not worked” — Valerii, Farmer
- “The soil is burnt out, it has become like sand, all of the minerals have gone.” — Valerii, Farmer
- “Even the smell of the earth when you work is a pleasure.” — Maryna, Farmer
- “We don’t expect much from the state. The most important thing is that they don’t introduce new taxes.” — Maryna, Farmer
