The national demining operator UDS has cleared the first area as part of the State Compensation Program for the demining of agricultural land. This involves a land plot of 487 hectares in the Kyiv region, owned by the Institute of Potato Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, reported the Ministry of Economy.
According to the announcement, the demining conducted by UDS lasted from October to the end of December 2024.
"This is very good news because we initiated the compensation program to return even more agricultural land to use. The fact that the first area was handed over in January is a great start to the year. Overall, the Humanitarian Demining Center has signed 47 agreements with operators to clear more than 9,500 hectares of agricultural land. This will be a significant contribution to enhancing the safety of people living in areas affected by hostilities, as well as to economic activity in these regions," said Deputy Minister of Economy Igor Bezkaravainy, who is quoted in the announcement.
According to the Ministry of Economy, 78 sapper specialists participated in the demining of the land, along with five paramedics. Demining vehicles were also involved in the operation. During the work, remnants of small artillery shells and munitions from hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers were discovered and destroyed. In total, 623 kg of war remnants, including munitions debris and other items, were removed.
The cost of demining the area amounted to 15 million UAH, which is 55% lower than the expected cost calculated for procurement. Five operators competed in the auction for the right to de-mine the area. As a result, the cost of demining was reduced by 17 million UAH. Consequently, clearing 1 hectare of land cost 30,800 UAH.
The compensation program for farmers covering the cost of demining agricultural land started in September 2024. It provides for 100% coverage of the demining costs for land that will be cleared, and 80% compensation for land that has already been demined, provided the farmer has supporting documents. In 2024, more than 500 million UAH was utilized under this program. The state budget for 2025 has allocated an additional 1 billion UAH for these purposes, noted the Ministry of Economy.