By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN Food and Agriculture Organization warned on Tuesday that Ukraine’s agricultural sector remains under intense pressure as the war continues to disrupt food production and endanger civilians as it unveiled a new three-year plan to help farmers survive and protect their livelihoods.
FAO released its emergency response and early recovery plan, outlined priority measures to protect agricultural livelihoods, restore production and strengthen the whole agrifood sector.
The plan links immediate emergency assistance with early recovery and resilience-building.
It prioritizes protection of food production for vulnerable rural families and small-scale farmers, rehabilitating agricultural land, boosting core production and supporting more market-oriented and climate-resilient farming.
Shakhnoza Muminova, Head of FAO in Ukraine said “Ukraine’s rural communities cannot afford a pause between emergency response and recovery,”.
“This Plan is designed to bridge that gap – protecting livelihoods now, restoring safe access to land and supporting farmers and rural families to rebuild production.”
The early recovery refers to restoring basic livelihoods and services while emergency needs continue, helping communities move beyond survival and reduce long-term dependence on aid.
FAO said special attention will be given to frontline regions, women and youth, internally displaced persons and returnees, as well as to land affected by explosive remnants such as landmines.
The agency’s current portfolio in Ukraine totals $25.9 million, with most funding directed to emergency and early recovery, but it warned that additional resources are needed to prevent further losses.
Ms. Muminova said “Continued, predictable support is critical to prevent deeper losses and to sustain recovery efforts over time”.
The challenges facing agriculture unfold after continued risks to civilians, FAO stated.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs an older civilian was killed and 2 others injured in the Kherson region on Monday while waiting for a food distribution.
Matthias Schmale, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine said “It is outrageous that once again a drone strike…killed one and injured two older residents who were at a food distribution point,”
Humanitarian workers provided first aid, and the injured are receiving hospital care, he added.
