The acute shortage of labor is pushing Ukrainian farmers toward rapid technological advancements. Optical sorting machines, once considered an expensive luxury, are now becoming a necessity, mirroring trends in European agriculture.
According to Andrii Marushchak, Commercial Director of Van Dijk Technics, Ukrainian farmers are increasingly interested in optical sorting machines as a solution to workforce shortages. "The installation of these machines significantly reduces the need for manual labor in vegetable sorting. Depending on capacity, they can replace 15 to 20 workers, making them a cost-effective investment," he explains.
Previously, the high cost of such technology was a barrier. However, as competition has increased and production costs have fallen, prices have become more accessible. "Today, we can offer an AI-powered optical sorting machine for as little as €200,000. Given the savings on labor, such an investment pays off in just three years," Marushchak states.
These machines use artificial intelligence to detect and remove defective produce, ensuring higher quality output. They can be programmed to identify damaged, diseased, or misshapen vegetables while also filtering out foreign objects such as stones or plant debris.
With Ukraine's vegetable farming sector struggling with labor shortages, the shift toward automation is inevitable. "Even in challenging economic conditions, such machines remain a profitable investment, especially when purchased through state-backed financing programs," notes Marushchak.
Before the full-scale war, Ukraine had only one such machine, which is now located in an occupied territory. Today, however, interest in this technology is growing as farmers seek ways to maintain production efficiency despite workforce constraints.
Marushchak emphasizes that optical sorting machines are not just for large-scale farms: "Even mid-sized farms with over 50 hectares of potato production can benefit from such automation."
Ultimately, Ukraine's transition toward automation aligns with European trends, ensuring that its agricultural sector remains competitive despite labor shortages. With the decreasing cost and increasing availability of optical sorting technology, Ukrainian farmers are poised to follow the path of their European counterparts.
Source: www.seeds.org.ua