Farmer from Mykolaiv region revives farm destroyed by Russians from scratch

Farmer Volodymyr Yaremenko from the village of Kvitneve in Mykolaiv region has returned to his home village, destroyed by Russian shelling, and is reviving his farm from scratch together with his son.

This was reported by Suspilne Mykolaiv.

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, his farm suffered significant damage: almost all of his equipment was damaged, which is why he could not cultivate the land in 2022. Nevertheless, he managed to save one tractor and a sprayer.

Destroyed machinery. PHOTO: Suspilne Mykolaiv

In 2023, together with his son, the man began to revive the business from scratch. While working in their fields, they faced danger - they found a shell that they had already driven over twice. However, now a large part of the farm has been restored, and the farmer has the necessary equipment for field work. Volodymyr recalls how they had to clear the fields of mines on their own.

Damage after the shelling. PHOTO: Suspilne Mykolaiv

The restoration is supported by charitable organizations, in particular, Zhnyva Peremohy, which leased the combine harvester. According to the farmer, it would be very difficult to survive without such help and support from the state . Due to the hostilities, the farm's income dropped by 60%, and the drought of 2025 had a negative impact on yields. Nevertheless, Volodymyr Yaremenko is convinced that the work of farmers is an important contribution to the country's economy, as it allows them to support the state and defend themselves against the aggressor.

Volodymyr's fields, August 2025. PHOTO: Suspilne Mykolaiv

Earlier, another Mykolaiv farmer created a smart greenhouse for autonomous vegetable growing. According to Maksym Netudykhata, the idea of automation arose after he lost part of his crop due to lack of watering during a business trip. This was the impetus for creating an innovative greenhouse. The project was implemented with the support of the Blue Innovation Challenge, where the farmer received a grant of USD 10 thousand. He also invested UAH 500 thousand in a new greenhouse complex.

All processes in the greenhouse can be controlled via a mobile application. The AquaSmart system allows you to regulate soil moisture, air temperature, and light levels in the greenhouse, which significantly saves resources and increases yields. Currently, radishes are grown in the smart greenhouse, and cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggplants are grown in other greenhouses.

Катерина Глушко