Seventeen farmers have been killed in the Kherson region since the war began

Since the start of the full-scale war, 17 farmers have been killed in the Kherson region, and more than 70 others have been injured. Despite constant Russian attacks, farmers continue to work, although some fields can no longer be used due to combat operations, landmines, and their proximity to the front lines.

 

The situation facing farmers in the Kherson region was discussed during a meeting of farmers from the region held in Rivne Oblast. Topics included farming under shelling, challenges with demining and transporting the harvest, as well as the possibility of relocating operations to safer regions. Many farms are located just 20–30 kilometers from the front lines. Therefore, even a routine trip to the fields can be dangerous for farmers.

Before starting work, farmers are forced to coordinate their routes with the military. Some tasks are performed while wearing body armor and helmets. Due to the war, the region’s agriculture sector has suffered significant losses. According to Dmytro Yunusov, head of the Department of Agricultural Development and Irrigation at the Kherson Regional State Administration, only about one-third of the region’s agricultural land is currently usable. “Due to the hostilities, only about one-third of our region’s agricultural land can be used at present. Russian troops are destroying equipment, crops, and businesses,” Yunusov said.

In addition to shelling, farmers face challenges with demining. Some land remains dangerous, so it cannot be cultivated properly. There is another problem as well—logistics. It is often difficult to transport the crops that have been harvested out of dangerous areas. “In addition, farmers face challenges with demining and logistics—it is difficult to transport the harvested produce out of dangerous areas,” noted a representative of the Kherson Regional State Administration.

Farmers Continue to Work

Despite the danger, many farmers are not leaving their farms. They continue to cultivate the land and grow crops even under constant attack. At the same time, the war has already claimed the lives of many people who worked in the agricultural sector. Since the war began, 17 farmers have been killed in the Kherson region, and more than 70 others have been injured. For those who cannot safely work on their native land, relocating their businesses to other regions has become one option.

But relocating a farm is much more complicated than moving a regular business. In addition to equipment, workers and their families must also be transported. Meanwhile, the land, land shares, and the bulk of the farm remain in the Kherson region.

Support for Farmers

Representatives from the Rivne region also spoke about support for Kherson entrepreneurs. The region has repeatedly assisted the Kherson region with financial aid, equipment, and personnel. According to Oleksandr Kokhan, deputy head of the Rivne Regional State Administration, business support programs are in place in the region. Specifically, entrepreneurs can receive compensation for part of the cost of equipment, interest on loans, fuel expenses, and the purchase of livestock.

These programs are also available to businesses that have relocated from dangerous regions. Currently, 39 relocated businesses and institutions are operating in Rivne Oblast. For farmers in Kherson Oblast, this support could provide an opportunity to continue working while their home regions remain unsafe due to hostilities.

At the same time, farmers who remain in the region continue to work despite the risk of shelling, mined fields, and destroyed equipment. Their work remains vital not only for the Kherson region but also for Ukraine’s food security. This was reported by the Rivne Regional State Administration, citing information shared during a meeting with farmers from the Kherson region.

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