THE ROLE OF NICHE AGRICULTURAL CROPS IN ENSURING FOOD SECURITY OF UKRAINE USING

Abstract

One of the ways to ensure food security is the diversification of food and diet, which involves expanding the range of agricultural crops and food products. This contributes to increasing the resilience of food systems to external influences, such as climate change, economic crises or supply disruptions. Diversification reduces dependence on a few staple crops, which are often vulnerable to environmental and economic changes. The article is devoted to the analysis of the role of niche agricultural crops in this process using the example of growing buckwheat as an important leguminous agricultural crop. In modern conditions, when the agricultural sector of Ukraine faces serious challenges, such as global market fluctuations, climate changes and internal socio-economic factors, niche cultures acquire strategic importance. Growing buckwheat can become one of the effective mechanisms for supporting the food independence of the state and ensuring the stability of the agrifood system. In addition, this culture contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and is undemanding to growing conditions, which allows it to be cultivated in different regions of Ukraine. The article focuses on the economic feasibility of growing buckwheat. The production of this crop can be less expensive for farmers due to its undemanding agrotechnical means, which makes it possible to increase profitability and contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities. The social importance of buckwheat is also noted as an important aspect, as its cultivation contributes to the creation of jobs and the strengthening of local economies. Thus, niche agricultural crops, in particular buckwheat, can play a decisive role in diversifying food systems and ensuring food security of Ukraine, reducing dependence on external factors and contributing to the stability of the agricultural sector.