Agrarian ministry to launch new irrigation project

Minister for Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Roman Leshchenko, says the government plans to launch a nationwide project on irrigation and reclamation in the country's southern regions, which will attract significant funds.

"We have UAH 2 billion [US$72 million] [allocated] in total government spending. We have UAH 7 billion [US$252 million] in loan guarantees. Also, we've got UAH 0.5 billion [US$18 million] to compensate for irrigation and reclamation equipment," he told Radio NV on February 8.

Moreover, given the bill on Water Users Association is passed in the near future, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are also ready to allocate US$2 billion for said project.

Read alsoGrain exports from Ukraine in MY 2020/21 may reach new record high – UGA forecast"Thus, the state provides funds for cleaning canals and water supplies, while private capital companies are connected to the pumping station system and irrigate fields on their own. This will be a breakthrough for Ukraine," he summed up.

Background

On December 17, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, supported the appointment of the incumbent head of the State Service of Ukraine for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre, Roman Leshchenko, as Minister for Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

On the same day, the newly appointed minister announced the ministry's priorities, including, in particular, support for the livestock and irrigation sectors.