# New Tool for Farmers: Simplifying Demining Applications
In an exciting development for agricultural stakeholders, the State Agrarian Register has introduced an innovative tool designed to streamline the process for farmers wishing to participate in a government program aimed at compensating for the costs of demining agricultural lands. The Ministry of Economy has confirmed this significant step, which promises to ease the burdens faced by farmers.
## What’s Inside the Program?
The government has allocated a substantial budget of **3 billion hryvnias** for this initiative. This program is not limited to land that farmers own; it also extends to any leased plots. This inclusivity is crucial for ensuring that more farmers can benefit, especially those in areas affected by conflict.
Yulia Sviridenko, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, stated, “We have introduced a tool in the State Agrarian Register that will greatly simplify the submission of applications by farmers who wish to clear their land with state support. The state compensates **80%** of the demining cost.” This financial backing can be a game changer for many farmers, allowing them to reclaim their land and resume productive agricultural activities.
## Who Can Join This Opportunity?
Farmers whose lands are located in recently de-occupied territories, where there’s been a confirmed presence or risk of explosive objects based on non-technical surveys, are eligible for this program. It’s a take-charge approach to address the lingering dangers of conflict zones, ensuring that agricultural production can resume safely and effectively.
Consider the story of Oksana, a farmer from a recently liberated village. For months, her fields lay untouched due to the fear of unexploded ordnance. With this government program, she is now on the path to reclaiming her livelihood, knowing that the cost of demining will be significantly subsidized.
## Transparent and Streamlined Processes
A key highlight of this initiative is the transparent process established by the Ministry of Economy. Both farmers and demining operators have access to clear information regarding cost formation, auction participants, and final expenses associated with demining specific plots.
Igor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, emphasized the importance of transparency: “I hope that interested farmers will soon take advantage of this opportunity, and we will see the first auctions for demining agricultural land.” This level of openness fosters trust and encourages more individuals to participate.
## How the Demining Process Works
Applications submitted by farmers are verified by the Humanitarian Demining Center, which also manages the auction process through the **Prozorro** system. Here’s how it breaks down:
1. **Application Verification**: The Humanitarian Demining Center reviews applications.
2. **Auction Announcements**: The center announces auctions to provide demining services.
3. **Winner Determination**: After a thorough selection process, the winning demining operator is confirmed.
4. **Financial Transfer**: Once the demining work is completed and verified, **80%** of the cost is transferred to a designated account. The remaining **20%** is the farmer’s responsibility.
Currently, **PrivatBank** and **Oschadbank** are the participating banks in this initiative, with plans for other state-owned banks to join soon. Farmers need to have an account with either bank to facilitate the fund transfer after demining.
## Conclusion: A Stepping Stone Toward Recovery
This program not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also contributes to the long-term recovery and productivity of agricultural lands in affected regions. The government’s involvement exemplifies a commitment to rebuilding communities and supporting farmers during challenging times.
By reclaiming their lands, farmers like Oksana can once again contribute to the economy, ensuring food security and a brighter future for their families and communities. It’s an empowering step forward, and the path is illuminated by the opportunities provided through this program.
For more detailed information on the initiative, you can refer to sources like the official website of the Ministry of Economy and follow updates from the **Humanitarian Demining Center**. Together, we can support and encourage our farming communities as they take significant steps toward restoration and growth.
