Regulatory Policy of the Agricultural Sector in the De-Occupied Territories of Southern Ukraine: Challenges and Measures to Restore the Irrigation System

Abstract

Irrigation system restoration is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. The study aims to analyze the regulatory framework and financial mechanisms for restoring irrigation systems in the de-occupied territories of southern Ukraine while addressing key challenges related to land use, water resource management, and economic recovery. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, and financial modeling. It is defined that groundwater over-extraction leads to aquifer depletion and land degradation. The study develops policy recommendations to govern groundwater use, emphasizing the need for modern monitoring technologies, efficient irrigation techniques, and coordinated water resource management to ensure the long-term viability and resilience of irrigation infrastructure in de-occupied territories. The findings show that the restoration of de-occupied Southern Ukraine depends on such types of EU financial support as subsidies, grants, and low-interest loans. The research highlights the interplay between European financial institutions and national regulatory policies in rebuilding Ukraine’s agricultural sector.