Demining operators complete training in international mine action standards

On September 4, 2024, the Centre for Humanitarian Demining (CHD) announced the first auction for purchasing agricultural land demining services under the cost compensation program. Throughout the year of the program's operation, CHD has signed 80 contracts for the clearance of 14.4 thousand hectares of agricultural land. The cost of such works based on the results of auctions was 856.3 million UAH. At the beginning of September, humanitarian demining operators completed 37 contracts, returning 3.4 thousand hectares back to use.

"A year ago, we launched a unique mechanism for Ukraine and the world, which allows agricultural producers to receive compensation for clearing fields from mines and explosive ordnance. The program has become a real tool for restoring the country's agricultural potential and not only relieves farmers of the financial burden but also shapes new approaches to the development of the humanitarian demining market," noted CHD Director Volodymyr Baida.

Thanks to open bidding in the Prozorro system, the cost of demining 1 hectare dropped by 19.5% for signed contracts, averaging 58.4 thousand UAH per hectare. Several dozen operators participated in the tenders in general, and demining contracts were signed with 16 of them.

"On thousands of hectares, where until recently work was not conducted due to the mine threat, farmers have already harvested their first crop this year. And this is the result for which we work, for which the farmers work. Operators demonstrated they can work in various conditions: returning hundreds of hectares in a few months, working in conditions of high density of residual ERW. We are working on expanding the program among farmers, as well as on involving new categories of users who will be able to clear their lands at the state’s expense," said Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Ihor Bezkaravainyi.

Important changes over the year of the program's operation

The compensation program is constantly being improved to become more accessible to farmers:

the compensation amount was increased to 100% of the cost of demining services (initially, 50% compensation was planned, then – 80%); restrictions were canceled on submitting applications for agricultural producers with tax debts for land or the single tax (provided they are payers of the single tax of the IV group); compensation was introduced for the costs of repeated non-technical survey (NTS) of lands, even if the territory does not require demining and is released as a result of the NTS; a new methodology for calculating the cost of works was developed, making pricing more transparent and fair; the requirement for mine action (MA) operators regarding the availability of experience in performing similar works on areas up to 50 hectares was canceled, which allows attracting new certified MA operators; the financing procedure was changed: now the farmer opens an escrow account immediately after the approval of the application; the application deadline was extended: until December 25 of the current year (applications until December 5 – within the limits of the current budget, those after – are transferred to the next year). The implementation of the compensation program became possible thanks to the coordinated work of the Centre for Humanitarian Demining, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, other specialized ministries, international partners, and MA operators.

The transparency of processes is the main principle of operations. Open auctions through the Prozorro system, clear selection criteria, and quality control of work have become the foundation of farmers' and the international community's trust.

The program has significant potential for development and geographic expansion of its operation.

The first year of operation showed that the compensation mechanism – is more than financial support. It is a step toward the economic recovery and resilience of Ukrainian communities.