The state of development of gardening in Ukraine

Abstract

Goal. To analyze the features of the functioning of horticulture in Ukraine under martial law and determine possible prospects for the development of this industry. Methods. Abstract-logical — for the development of recommendations for the restoration of horticulture; system-structural — for the correct formulation of tasks; analysis and comparison — for determination of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the studied processes in horticulture; economic and statistical — for establishing the quantitative influence of individual factors on the development of horticulture and identification of the main factors that determine changes in the economic processes of the industry. Results. The territory of Ukraine is located in the agro-climatic zones of Polissia, Forest-Steppe, Steppe, and Carpathians. In 2023, as a result of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, the production of fruits and berries decreased. In all categories of farms of the Polissia zone, the area of plantations compared to pre-war 2021 decreased by 4.4%; in particular, the area of fruit-bearing plantations — by 2.3%, gross harvest increased by 2.0%, and yield by 3.9%. In the Carpathians, the plantation area decreased by 1.8%, the area of fruit-bearing plantations by 0.98%, gross harvest by 1.0%, and the yield did not change. In the Forest-Steppe zone, the area of plantations decreased by 4%, the area of fruiting plantations by 1.4%, gross harvest by 2.6%, and yield by 1.4%. In the Steppe zone, the area of plantations decreased by 37.3%, the area of fruit-bearing plantations by 39.0%, gross harvest by 38.0%, and yield by 2.0%. The results of the analysis indicate a significant reduction in fruit and berry plantations in 2023 compared to 2021, especially in the Steppe zone. Conclusions. The study shows that the war in Ukraine has greatly influenced gardening, which led to a decrease in the production of this industry, crop yields, and a decrease in the area of plantings, particularly the area of fruit-bearing plantations. To restore its development, it is important to invest in technological innovations and provide significant state support, which will allow preserving and developing the industry, as well as ensuring the economic stability of the country.