Funding for clearing agricultural land of mines: Government simplifies and expands program

The Government has made it easier for agricultural producers to have their land cleared of mines at the state’s expense. Business entities in which the state owns 100% of the shares and which use state-owned land plots have also been granted the right to have their humanitarian demining costs covered. The Government adopted the relevant decision at a meeting on March 25, 2026.

“A crucial aspect of the decision is the simplification of the demining process for farmers. Previously, they had to open escrow accounts at banks into which funds were deposited to cover the cost of demining work. From now on, this will be handled by the Humanitarian Demining Center, and farmers will only need to submit the appropriate application,” noted Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Ihor Bezkaravaynyi.

At the same time, budget funds transferred to escrow accounts by December 31, 2025, may continue to be used in accordance with the previously signed agreement.

The state program "Humanitarian Demining" provides for full coverage of demining for agricultural land. Agricultural producers whose land contamination has been confirmed by the Humanitarian Demining Center are eligible to participate in the program. They must also meet a number of requirements:

• not be subject to sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defense Council;

• not have any citizens of an aggressor state among its ultimate owners;

• not be in the process of bankruptcy, liquidation, or cessation of operations;

• not be affiliated with a certified PMD operator with whom a contract has been concluded.

Applications to participate in the program may only be submitted through the State Agrarian Register (DAR).

Background information

The 2026 State Budget envisages UAH 2 billion for the humanitarian demining of agricultural land. In total, since the program’s launch, mine action operators have restored over 15,000 hectares of farmland to use.