All prerequisites in place for successful 2020 harvest, Zelensky's advisor assures

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's advisor, member of the Supervisory Board at the Bleyzer Foundation, Oleh Ustenko, says the 2020 sowing campaign in Ukraine has been completed despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine; hence, there are all prerequisites for the successful future harvest.

"Against the backdrop of the emergency situation, we managed to fully provide Ukrainian agricultural enterprises with all resources required (fuel, fertilizers, and machinery). Today, the main goal has been achieved as all prerequisites for the 2020 harvest have been provided," he said at a working meeting with farmers, as reported by the President's Office on May 19.

At the same time, agrarians drew attention to the fact that, amid the pandemic-related economic crisis, the issue of the farms need of additional financial resources is aggravating.

"A 5%-8% winter crop damage is also concerning. According to farmers, the greatest losses are reported in Odesa region, where almost half of the total crops was damaged," the report said.

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In turn, Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture Taras Vysotskyi said that a tool for compensation of loan rates for farmers is now being developed.

Also, Ukrainian President's envoy for land affairs, Roman Leshchenko, said a land tax bill was set to be considered in Parliament.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian agrarians as of May 18 sowed area for the 2020 harvest accounting for more than 90% of the target, almost having completed sowing of all spring crops except soy and buckwheat. Most regions have completed the spring sowing campaign.

Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers in March introduced a nationwide quarantine to counter the spread of coronavirus infection, after which the lockdown regime was extended until May 11.

On May 4, the government further extended the lockdown until May 22, having lifted some quarantine-related curbs from May 11.

The government allowed sales of spare parts for tractors and other agricultural equipment, as well as sales of seeds, fertilizers, and seedlings.