Kaharlyk Territorial Community

History

The Kaharlyk Volost had been mentioned in archival records since 1866. The town of Kaharlyk was founded in 1142. 

Numerous archaeological sites (Bronze Age mounds and Sarmatian burial mounds) around Kaharlyk evidence that people lived there in the ancient times. The remains of the Torchesk hill-fort have been preserved to date. It was the centre of the Torks and Berendeys who followed the Kyivan Rus princes to fight the Polovtsians. It was first mentioned in the period of the Princely Age (11th century). 

Economy and Welfare

The Kaharlyk urban community has developed a powerful agro-industrial complex. The main agricultural products are corn, wheat, and barley.

The largest enterprise in this sector is “TEVI” Flour Milling Company. It has two flour milling complexes that can process 50 and 75 tons of rye and wheat per day and produce flour. 

Commercially attractive industrial crops (sunflower, soybeans, rapeseed, etc.) are also grown here. Vegetable growing (potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beets) and horticultural production (strawberries, raspberries, apples) are being developed.  

The first vineyards were planted in 2011 in the farm in Horokhove. The first grapevines were of the Ukrainian technical grape sorts, which mainly grow in the continental climate. With the climate changes, the owner decided to plant European grape sorts. The winery, located near the vineyards, is being re-equipped and renovated with the latest winemaking technologies. 

The vineyard planting area is 3 hectares. Planting density is from 3,300 to 8,000 bushes per 1 hectare. The production capacity is estimated at 5 thousand litres per year.

The community’s animal husbandry is also developing sustainably. Both cattle and pigs are kept there.

The industrial sector includes food production enterprises, such as butter factory, confectionery factory, and flour production. The processing industry includes elevators, production of building materials, wood processing, and furniture production.

Confectionery “Lagoda” has been manufacturing confectionery products since 1998. It manufactures and sells products both under its own brands and in the Private Label segment. The company successfully cooperates with large Ukrainian retail stores.

There are 12 secondary, 17 pre-school, 3 out-of-school educational institutions, and 1 inclusive resource centre in the Kaharlyk territorial community.

The community’s health sector is represented by the municipal non-profit enterprises of the Kaharlyk Town Council: the Primary Health Care Centre and the Kaharlyk General Hospital. The hospital building includes surgical, therapeutic, obstetrics and gynaecology and anaesthesiology department with intensive care beds.

Community and War

The community does not stand aside in a difficult period for Ukraine. People help the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Territorial Defence Forces, internally displaced persons, and visit the injured soldiers in hospitals. They also collect and deliver humanitarian aid to the population centres that were under enemy occupation. 

Charity concerts are organized to raise funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The volunteer movement has become widespread, and everyone helps as much as they can. Caring community members prepare delicious meals for the soldiers, organize fundraising to purchase various military equipment, optical devices, medicines, hygiene products, etc.

The Kaharlyk Centre for Children and Youth Creativity has turned into a powerful front-line workshop, and its employees have become tireless volunteers. They make camouflage nets, balaclavas, and sniper costumes.

The women of Kaharlyk have made about 1,000 cans of pates, canned stewed meet and other canned food. They are confidently contributing to the Victory by doing their best.

Attention is also paid to the internally displaced families who had to escape from the rashist invasion and found a refuge in the Community. 

 People of the Community

Oleksandr Paniuta, Mayor of Kaharlyk, was born in the village of Popivka, Konotop district, Sumy region. 

He has held the office of Mayor of Kaharlyk since November 2010. He received numerous sectoral awards for his contribution to the development of the building industry and road facilities in the region. He was awarded many certificates and acknowledgements from the district and regional authorities for his long and diligent work in local government. 

In August 2017, Oleksandr Paniuta was awarded the Town Council’s Award of Merit for the Town. He was the deputy of numerous convocations of district and town councils. He was awarded the Order of Merit of the 3rd Degree by the Decree of the President of Ukraine dated August 18, 2003.

Oleksandr Paniuta initiated and implemented the idea of renovating the kindergarten premises in the town. Simultaneously, the issues of repairing the kindergarten canteens, providing new furniture, new linens, dishes, equipment, territory improvement, etc. were solved. 

After being re-elected as Town Mayor in 2015, Oleksandr Paniuta continued to improve the facilities of pre-school, secondary and out-of-school educational institutions. The building of playgrounds and sports grounds in the most remote neighbourhoods was initiated. Today, playgrounds with sports equipment are available not only at sports and recreation centres, but also at every school. 

Development Strategy

There are plans to attract as more investment in the neighbourhood’s development after the war. The Kaharlyk community strives to develop high-quality health and educational services. It also intends to create opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

 List of Sources

• Official website of the Kaharlyk Town Council
• kagarlyk.city
• Official Facebook page