Ukraine, with support from the FAO, is launching the construction of modern vegetable storage facilities in frontline areas.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has backed an initiative from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine to build small vegetable storage facilities, according to the agency’s head, Vitaliy Koval.

“Today, around 35% of the produce grown in Ukraine is lost due to inadequate storage conditions. Together with the FAO, we are initiating the construction of modern vegetable storage facilities with capacities ranging from 20 to 1,000 tons, primarily in the frontline regions of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv,” he explained.

The minister noted that each small storage facility creates storage opportunities for about 150 small farmers. New jobs and cooperatives are being established around these facilities. Furthermore, increased storage space will minimize crop losses, which is crucial for food security.

Koval also mentioned that after the launch of the small storage facility projects, construction of larger multi-section facilities will commence, which will serve not only farmers but also businesses, supermarkets, and social institutions such as hospitals and schools.