HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT AS A STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY OF TRANSCARPATHIA

Horticulture, a beacon of resilience, is essential for bolstering the economic stability and competitiveness of regions. This article sets out to gauge the current state of horticulture in Transcarpathia and explore avenues for its fortification, drawing from the experiences of European countries.The study's methodology is rooted in scenario modelling, trend assessment, and forecasting of horticulture development, leveraging the comparative experiences of European countries.The research results underscore the efficacy of automated systems and storage infrastructure in horticulture, as observed in Transcarpathia, Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. The findings reveal that agricultural technologies can boost the yield of fruit and berry crops by 20% through enhanced fertility of sown areas. Despite the significant setbacks inflicted by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the horticultural sector has shown remarkable resilience, a testament to its strength and adaptability. One of the critical consequences of the war was a 27% reduction in capital investment in Ukrainian agriculture - from UAH 68 billion in 2021 to UAH 49.6 billion in 2022. The war has led to the loss of controlled territories and the destruction of the infrastructure that supports the agricultural sector. The article proposes strategies to enhance horticultural practices, advocating for corporate sector involvement and government support for lending.The practical significance of the work lies in formulating recommendations for implementing effective horticultural methods adapted to local conditions. Further research on horticultural practices should focus on improving sown land with the latest tillage tools.