Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: Ukraine can supply a Billion of People with Foodstuffs on Condition of Proper Organization of Work and Adequate Governmental Support of Rural Area
On Friday, 18 September 2009, within the scope of the visit to Cherkasy region, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, attended the ceremony dedicated to the 165th anniversary of Uman State Agrarian University and met the students and the faculty of the University.
Speaking before the participants of the festivities, V.Lytvyn expressed his conviction in the fact that the history of the university lasted longer than 165 years owing to the old-established traditions of land works in Ukraine. "I am happy that I can send you my personal congratulations on this memorable event, taking part in the honouring of people who studied and worked at the University and contributed to the glory of our land", - stated the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
He believes that a prominent anniversary of the University "is a golden opportunity to reflect upon the present and future, preservation of rural area as a cradle of Ukraine and observance of its traditions. "One should understand, - he stated, - that one should treat the rural area as our foundation, not as an economic category". "Ukrainian life can be described by three concepts: a field, a church and a home", - stated V.Lytvyn.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deems necessary to consider the prospects of the graduate students and reflect upon the essence of reforms. "We must decide whether a large agricultural industry will function in Ukraine, whether we will have Ukraine at all", - stressed V.Lytvyn.
He reminded of the fact that in the Soviet times, Ukraine supplied three hundred people with foodstuffs, thus, it could supply a billion people at present. "However, it depends on the proper organization of work and adequate governmental support of the rural area", - stated the Head of the Parliament.
As far as the nature of land as a commodity was concerned, V.Lytvyn stressed the necessity of clarifying the matter. He supports those who object to the land market. However, he also supports the complaints of private land owners who possess special permits and can not administer their lands.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deems necessary to give an actual estimate of land, so that people know the price of land in different places. "If a person has a property right for a land plot, but does not have inheritors, the State shall purchase the land, being represented by a land bank. Such proposals are envisaged by the Bills and shall be implemented", - stated V.Lytvyn.
He believes that a land bank shall administer the acquired lands and determine the prospective owners. V.Lytvyn supposes that the land can be transferred to the people with corresponding knowledge and experience. "They will protect the land and treat it as the most precious and non-reproducible treasure", - stated the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
V.Lytvyn presented the best lecturers and workers of the University with the valuable gifts and decorations of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.