The draft state budget for 2024 includes resources to help the agricultural sector: affordable business loans, grant programs, and compensation for the purchase of Ukrainian agricultural machinery. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a Government meeting on October 3.

"In addition, we will allocate UAH 2 billion for humanitarian demining. In particular, for compensation when farmers purchase demining services at open auctions," the Prime Minister added.

According to Denys Shmyhal, in 2023, farmers received more than UAH 33 billion in loans under the 5-7-9 program, and more than UAH 56 billion under all loan programs.

At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food forecasted that this year's harvest would be over 79 million tonnes. This is 10% more than last year. Almost 42 million tonnes of grains and oilseeds have already been harvested.

"This is the result not only of favorable weather but also of consistent support for farmers.

A good harvest means that Ukraine will retain its strategic importance as a guarantor of global food security. About 25% of the harvested grain is sufficient for our domestic needs, while the rest needs to be exported. Because these are resources for farmers, foreign exchange earnings for the state, and food for starving countries," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Denys Shmyhal noted that bridges rather than walls should be built on the western border now.

"We need wide transit routes for food exports. This is important for the sustainability of our economy. It is important for the world, because it is global food security," Denys Shmyhal emphasized.

According to the Prime Minister, Ukraine is counting on the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism for verification and control of Ukrainian agricultural exports, on transit Solidarity Lanes with the EU, on expanding the capacity of the Danube ports and on new grain corridors.