Vkursi Zemli
Database providing maps and analytics on Ukrainian agricultural land and producers
Description
The Vkursi Zemli online database provides maps and analytics about the agricultural land in Ukraine broken down based on more than 100 criteria based on land plot, owner and user. Through Vkursi Zemli, agribusinesses can effectively manage and monitor their land resources while service and financial companies can better navigate their clients' businesses. The database provides information about the parameters of land plots (category, purpose, owner, tenant, lease terms, etc.), tenants and lease information, as well as a normative monetary valuation of land plots in terms of purpose, the number of land plots and their areas. The database further offers access to data on any restrictions and encumbrances related to particular land plots as well as any legal cases.
Technology
The Vkursi Zemli database can be accessed online through a website upon the payment of a licence fee (a free trial is available). It is a software-as-a-service database that cross-references more than 20 state-run sources of information in Ukraine, including the State Land Cadastre, the Public Cadastral Map of Ukraine, the State Register of Real Property Rights, the Register of Encumbrances of Movable Property, the Single State Register of Court Decisions, tax registers, etc. Due to the conflict in Ukraine, some registries were unavailable in 2022, such as the State Land Cadastre and tax registers. Users set up an accounts on the app, after which brief training is provided on how to operate the system. After the training, the user can request information about any land plot listed in the state registers, with details of their owners, users, restrictions and encumbrances, and can generate analytical reports and monitor any changes. Vkursi Zemli acquires information from state registers that it converts into analytical reports with summary diagrams and data that can be visualized on an interactive map or downloaded in the following formats: .xls., .json, .geojson, .kml, .shp. for use in the farm management or accounting systems of users. The app also features an API (Application Programming Interface) function that allows the delivery of information directly to the user’s software products. The company runs a complementary Telegram bot Service that facilitates the search and monitoring of information changes.
Target
Users with different profiles can benefit from the app. Agricultural producers can monitor their competitors and control their own lands; and the application can be used to check plot ownership, for instance, to identify leasing opportunities, assess risks, etc. As the portal cannot provide detailed information on smaller land plots, the app is used primarily by farmers with 3 ha of land or more. Banks, insurance companies and other service providers can also benefit from the database for the monitoring of the businesses and legal situations of potential and existing clients. Administrative bodies, on the other hand, can use the application to control tax flows, while agrarian communities and research institutions can use the portal to assess the ownership of farmlands. Additionally, distributors and suppliers benefit from analysis of land and companies in the region, collateral property analysis, and risk assessment. The app had 2 650 registered users as of 1 January 2021.
Business model
License fees are offered with or without a subscription. Users without a subscription can access the database for free, but must purchase quotas for any analysis and monitoring operations. These include automatic land audits based on data sourced from state registries and open sources (UAH 30 per plot, or approx. USD 0.81) and monitoring of registration actions in the State Register of Property Rights to Real Estate Property (UAH 5 per plot, or approx. USD 0.14). A subscription allows the use of all available land plot analysis and monitoring services. The subscription cost is 1 800 UAH for six months (approx. USD 48), with 50 plots allowed for monitoring and analysis, or 2 400 UAH (approx. USD 65) for 12 months, with 100 plots allowed. Payments can be made via the website with a VISA or Mastercard or by bank transfer with an invoice. The indicated prices were correct as of September 2022.
Impact
The online database provides decision-making support to various actors in the agricultural value chain, and can help protect farmers’ rights related to land. The tool allows farmers to learn more about their land, to check whether the land is registered electronically and to identify the true owner of the land. If the online database identifies a mistake in the state registries, the farmers can act promptly to address the situation. Subscribers can also sign up to be alerted if the legal status of their land changes, or if restrictions or encumbrances are placed on their land.
Partners
USAID; Chemonics International, Inc., Microsoft; Watsons; Axon; HiiL
Four Betters
Better life
