Sumy Farmers Continue Working in Fields Under Threat of Shelling
Farmers in the Sumy region, located on the front line, continue their activities despite daily threats from shelling. They employ anti-drone measures, electronic warfare, and specialized equipment for their safety.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has lost nearly 20% of its arable land, which amounts to over five million hectares. Many fields remain unplanted due to being mined, shelled, or occupied. Agricultural land in border regions, including Sumy, has been particularly affected.
Local farmers are continuously losing equipment, storage facilities, and face physical dangers. Despite this, they keep coming back to their lands, risking their lives and health. To protect themselves from drones and attacks, they use anti-drone systems, electronic warfare equipment, bulletproof vests, and even smoothbore shotguns.
This situation not only threatens food security at the regional level but also has a nationwide impact. The loss of such a significant portion of cropland could have long-term consequences for Ukraine’s agricultural industry, which is a key component of the country’s economy. Experts assert that more international assistance and state support are needed to overcome these challenges.
| Region | Land Loss (%) | Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Sumy Region | 20% | Shelling, mining, occupation |
| Other Border Regions | 15-25% | Shelling, mining |
| Overall in Ukraine | 20% | Shelling, mining, occupation |
