Agricultural Trends and Problems in Ukraine

Abstract

<p>Ukraine has long played a crucial roll in feeding both itself and much of the remainder of the Soviet Union. Recently, however, Ukraine's importance within the overall scheme of food production of the Soviet Union has decreased by some five (5) percent.</p> <p>During the 1950's, Ukraine's production as a proportion of the overall Soviet production declined as a result of the development of the "New Lands" in Kazakhstan and Siberia. The following decade saw a resurgence in the importance of Ukraine, due primarily to the harsh weather conditions in the "New Lands". Since 1965, Ukraine has experienced a continual decline, which if uncorrected will continue into the foreseeable future.</p> <p>Although the policies of the government focused on the development of the "New Lands", this is only one reason for the decline of Ukrainian productivity. Much of the blame can be placed on inefficient and careless management practices, the wasting of valuable land, the exploitation of workers, the undereducation of the working population, and the ineffective use of available technology. The blame for the decline must levied not against the people (workers), but against the system they are working under. As the system now stands, the only way to reverse this downward trend is by completely overhauling what is left of the agricultural sector. Due to the enormous costs which would be involved, it is highly unlikely that this will ever take place. It is, therefore, probable that Ukrainian agriculture will continue its downward slide in the years to come.</p>