Oleksii Sobolev holds meeting in Mykolaiv region on irrigation system and state support for entrepreneurs

During a working visit to Mykolaiv region, Ukraine’s Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, Oleksii Sobolev, chaired a meeting with heads of structural units of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration and territorial bodies of executive power responsible for economy, agriculture, and ecology.

The meeting was attended by, among others, Deputy Minister Taras Vysotskyi, Ukrainian MP Dmytro Kyselevskyi, Head of Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration Vitalii Kim, and representatives of local self-government bodies.

The main focus of the meeting was the condition of agricultural crops due to drought, the development of the irrigation system, and state support for farmers, particularly in frontline areas.

Oleksii Sobolev noted that irrigation is a top priority for the Government, the Prime Minister, and the President of Ukraine. Efforts are underway to address this issue to support agricultural producers effectively.

“Irrigation is of strategic importance. It is a comprehensive reform where a balance must be maintained between providing water for agricultural producers and the population. We are committed to making significant progress in this area. We want to make it easier for farmers to operate, so we will also focus on other areas, including support for frontline regions,” Oleksii Sobolev emphasised.

To this end, he stated that the Government, in collaboration with Parliament, will finalise updates to legislation to establish a single state operator. Meanwhile, farm networks and non-central irrigation system pipelines should be transferred to Water Users’ Organisations.

The meeting also addressed the environmental aspects of irrigation. Water extraction impacts the environment, so it is crucial to ensure no harm is caused to the surrounding ecosystem.

Participants discussed the retention of personnel in frontline regions for central executive bodies such as the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the State Service of Ukraine on Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre, the State Environmental Inspectorate, the State Water Resources Agency, and the State Fisheries Agency.

The discussion also touched on opportunities for farmers to access grants for processing enterprises under the Made in Ukraine initiative. The programme’s scope has been expanded: entrepreneurs, including farmers, can now receive funds not only for modernising production but also for restoring facilities damaged by the war.

Oleksii Sobolev stressed the need for ongoing communication between entrepreneurs requiring support and state institutions that can provide guidance on the mechanisms and conditions for assistance.

The Minister thanked participants for the open dialogue and cooperation, underscoring that the Government is committed to addressing the region’s highlighted challenges.