Revitalizing Ukraine's Hydraulic Land Reclamation Infrastructure
In a strategic partnership, the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy and the U.S. government are launching a major project to restore hydraulic land reclamation systems. Supported by the 'AGRO' Program, this initiative aims to address the critical state of Ukraine's irrigation networks, which currently suffer from up to 80% deterioration. The project's key components include:
- Assessing the irrigation networks of 25 agricultural producers;
- Evaluating 5 water user associations;
- Providing access to American irrigation technologies;
- Delivering expert support for modernizing irrigation systems.
The Potential for Restoring Irrigated Land
By 2024, Ukraine's irrigated land area had plummeted to 137,000 hectares, down from 525,000 hectares in 2021. However, the country has the potential to restore irrigation to at least 1 million hectares. This project is designed to unify government policy, professional community expertise, and international partner support to create a sustainable management model. This effort is crucial for a nation often called the 'breadbasket of Europe,' as it seeks to rebuild its agricultural capacity.
As noted by Iryna Ovcharenko, 'this will accelerate the restoration of reclamation infrastructure, which is the foundation of sustainable agricultural production.'
Ukrainian farmers will gain direct access to U.S.-based irrigation equipment manufacturers and service solutions. A specialized professional program for irrigation managers is also planned. As of early 2026, 73 water user organizations have already been established across 14 regions, with 19 new farmer associations joining the water management process in 2025 alone. This project holds significant potential to improve Ukraine's irrigation situation and bolster its agricultural sector.
Investing in the modernization of reclamation systems is critically important for Ukraine, as irrigation plays a key role in ensuring food security and stable agricultural output. Amid climate change and the sharp reduction in irrigated land, implementing this project could be a vital step toward restoring the country's agricultural potential. Support from international partners and the adoption of new technologies can also enhance the global competitiveness of Ukrainian agricultural producers.