Photo: Getty Images (illustrative photo)
The lack of sufficient vegetable storage facilities in Ukraine leads to significant post-harvest losses, which can reach 40-60%. Despite its favourable natural conditions – fertile soils and proximity to EU markets – the country is forced to import most of its fruit and vegetable products, according to a review of the fresh fruit and vegetable market by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine.
Vegetable and fruit production in Ukraine is largely concentrated on small farms, which account for 94% of vegetable and 82% of fruit production. However, the development of this sector is constrained by low levels of mechanisation, a lack of export certificates and a lack of modern storage facilities. These factors make storage difficult and lead to significant losses, increasing dependence on imports.
In addition, the war in Ukraine has severely damaged the agricultural sector, destroying a third of fresh water supplies and mining large areas. This has created additional challenges for farmers, who face a lack of resources and infrastructure.
Improving the production and storage of fruit and vegetables can be an important element of the country’s economic recovery and rural development. However, this requires investment in modern storage facilities, increased mechanisation, and certificates for exporting to the EU.
