In his field, located in western Ukraine, Vassili strokes his wheat with his fingertips. He has taken a few grains from his fields, and inspects them closely. The harvest is due in four or five days. “If it rains, we must harvest“, he explains, monitoring the moisture content of the wheat.
The cereal producer, who owns 250 hectares of wheat, barley and soybeans, only half believes in the agreement concluded on Friday between kyiv and Moscow: “Russia does not keep its word. There are hungry people all over the world. It’s not just a problem for us farmers: it’s also a problem for those who want to buy!“
With this agreement, 20 to 25 million cereals (wheat, barley, corn) must leave Ukraine via three Black Sea ports, including that of Odessa, in the space of four months. The ships are supposed to use secure corridors, guided by Ukrainian pilots. This is a relief for farmers who are unable to sell and export their crops for the year 2021, and who have to make room for this summer’s wheat harvest, which has started. But the concern remains.
“It is now up to the United Nations to ensure compliance with the agreement“, launched the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after the signing of the text. “Everyone understands that Russia could engage in provocations, attempts to discredit Ukrainian and international efforts“, adds the head of state.
May God give us the strength and the intelligence to open the borders, because everyone is suffering
Vassili, Ukrainian grain farmer
Before the war, Vassili exported his production to several European countries. But since February, he has not sold a gram of wheat. And he considers indecent the rare proposals he receives: “The prices we are being offered at the moment… We don’t care about people who work!“
/2022/07/23/phpqGyiUy.jpg)
“I hope to be able to sow this fall… he adds. If God gives me health and if there is no bombardment. But then, I don’t know.“He is more or less getting by today because, on the sidelines of his production, he owns a few cattle. large bags, grain stored there since the end of 2021. The more time passes, the more the risk of rotting increases.