In Ukraine, the largest horticultural centre has been destroyed.
The city of Bakhmut (former Artemovsk) in the Donetsk region1 was completely destroyed during the hostilities. In the vicinity of this city, a fifth of the specialised gardens for growing new trees and flowers in Ukraine was concentrated. Special gardens began to be created in this place in the 40s of the last century. At the best of times, almost 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) of land were used to grow seedlings and create new varieties of plants. Hundreds of workers and 30 scientists participated in this work.
However, later the situation changed. The USSR collapsed. State support for this activity has declined. For this reason, a large seedling nursery has changed the format of its work. Many employees quit and grew tree seedlings themselves. Thus, dozens of small private gardens were created in the vicinity of Artemovsk. There hardworking peasants grew seedlings for sale wholesale and retail.2
But that is as it was. Now this is no longer the case.
All gardeners have left Bakhmut. The websites of seven enterprises were found on the Internet.3 Of these, we managed to get through to representatives of three companies.
But only one person, Danilenko Andrey Yuryevich, the owner of the “Artemsad” company,3.4 could find in himself the strength to answer questions about what happened. The rest of his colleagues are too upset to comment on what has happened. Here is what this courageous man told us.
How long have you been gardening in Bakhmut?
Danilenko Andrey Yuryevich: I have been gardening for 20 years. During this time, I increased my land plot from 0.5 acres (0.2 ha) to 12 acres (5 hectares). I did everything with my own hands and with my own money. Didn’t take out loans. The land was bought in private ownership. Since gardening on rented land is very dangerous and unprofitable. In order to be closer to my favorite business, I built a residential building, on the field where I grew seedlings.
What did you grow?
Danilenko Andrey Yuryevich: My company specialised in the cultivation of coniferous, ornamental and deciduous plants. Buyers could choose plants on the field. It is very comfortable. Firstly, it made it possible to buy plants at a low price without the services of an intermediary. Secondly, the plants purchased on the field were the freshest. That is, these plants settled down better in the new place. Thirdly, the purchase of plants in the field gave great conditions for selection. This was the optimal form of trade in plant seedlings.
What is the state of your business now?
Danilenko Andrey Yuryevich: My life’s work is no more. The material and technical base was completely destroyed. Many plants were damaged by explosions.
In the greenhouse there is an unexploded shell of the Grad multiple launch rocket system. My private house burned down.
All my land is mined. There are hundreds of mines in the garden. Removing this amount of ammo is completely impossible. This means that it is impossible to work safely in the garden even after the end of the war.
A farmer I know knew this from personal experience. On the fields that belonged to him, hostilities took place. Then, when the Russians retreated, the farmer made every effort to clear the land. The military removed many mines. But in the end, when the farmer began to plow the land, an explosion occurred. All four wheels of the tractor were destroyed by mines called “Petal”. This is a confirmation that in the war zone normal farming is not possible for many years.
What is the total loss?
Danilenko Andrey Yuryevich: Approximately US$200,000. Of these, US$50,000 is the cost of the land. Another US$150,000 is worth investing in infrastructure, seedlings and manufacturing process.
Are you hoping for government help?
Danilenko Andrey Yuryevich: No, I don’t. There are no examples of anyone receiving state compensation.
What are your plans for the future?
Danilenko Andrey Yuryevich: I want to restore my business. To do this, you need to select a region where there were no hostilities. The land must be purchased. Then invest in infrastructure. Under favorable conditions (pre-war), investments should pay off in 3 years. Selling seedlings is a very profitable business. All products are sold in bulk. The end customer receives a product that costs 10 times more than in a farmer’s field. This speaks of great possibilities. To achieve this, I am ready to consider the possibility of cooperation with Australian investors. Ready to consider any suggestions. If my experience is useful in Australia, I will be glad. My contact phone number is +38(066)22-88-999.
After Bakhmut was destroyed, the supply of seedlings decreased significantly. In Kramatorsk, a city located near Bakhmut, only one seller sells seedlings. Before the war, this was done by 5-7 sellers. Commodity prices have not increased. After all, demand has decreased by about 70 per cent. The cost of an apple, plum, cherry and apricot seedling is about US$2.7 (UAH 100)*. The price of a currant or gooseberry bush is US$1.35 (UAH 50). Rose bush costs US$1.35 (UAH 50) Strawberries cost US$0.18 (UAH 7) per bush. Hazelnut US$4.05 (UAH 150). Blueberries US$3.5 (UAH 130). A raspberry bush costs US$0.54 (UAH20).
Residents of Kramatorsk buy these plants, despite the noise of the artillery cannonade. Following Bakhmut, the war came to Kramatorsk. The city is under daily shelling. In such a situation, buying plants for your own garden is a kind of struggle for peace. People planting young trees believe that the war will not destroy Kramatorsk. And the Ukrainian army will be able to stop the Russian soldiers. Otherwise, Kramatorsk will be destroyed.
The future of the horticultural business in Bakhmut is unknown. The city is almost completely controlled by the Russian army. Gardeners fled to other regions of Ukraine. Now these people with a wealth of experience in growing plants are experiencing hard times.
Perhaps their experience will be needed in Australia?
* At the official rate of US$1 – UAH36.95
References
1. https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%B0%D1%85%D0%BC%D1%83%D1%82
2) https://anikanovsv.wixsite.com/sad-bahmut/–c3iv
3.1) https://sady-bahmyta.shop
3.2) http://bahmutsad.com/aboutas/
3.3) https://pitomnik-bahmut.com.ua/
3.4) http://artemsad.com.ua
3.5) https://pitomnik.com.ua/
3.6) https://www.facebook.com/nashsadok
3.7) https://greenis.in.ua/
