A. Lukashenko instructed to minimize dependence on imports in the production of domestic equipment

On March 24, Minsk /BELTA/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko demanded to accelerate efforts to maximize the domestic component in the production of agricultural and other machinery. The head of state voiced this demand on March 24, during his visit to the Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for the Mechanization of Agriculture, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. As reported to the head of state, over the period of 2006-2010, the center developed 106 units of machinery and organized serial production of 186 types of agricultural machines. The main focus is on reducing labor, electricity, and fuel costs. Together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the center determines the strategy for the technical development of rural areas and carries out research and development work on the mechanization, electrification, and automation of agricultural processes. In 2010 alone, products worth over $138 million were produced based on the center's developments. Alexander Lukashenko inquired about indicators such as efficiency, material intensity, and others. He was assured that domestic products are not inferior to foreign counterparts in these aspects. At the same time, special attention was drawn to the fact that not all agricultural machinery is currently produced using exclusively domestic components. In particular, during the inspection of agricultural machinery samples, the discussion turned to one of the potato harvester models, the localization of which in production is expected to reach 60-65% only in three years. "We need to reduce these timelines by at least half, then there will be no more groaning and suffering about currency and other matters. We need to intensify efforts on all issues by half. We need to load production," demanded the head of state. The President was also informed about the successes of Belarusian scientists in reducing the dependence of agricultural production on imports. For example, a unique technology for metal hardening has been developed and implemented in the country, which is used, for instance, in the production of plows, and the localization in the manufacturing of equipment for milking parlors is already approaching 90%.

The Head of State was acquainted with the promising directions for the development of flax harvesting machinery, modern soil cultivation units, potato harvesters, and other equipment. A number of promising pilot innovative projects were also presented to him, including the creation of a domestic biogas complex with a capacity of 250 kW. The plan also includes the implementation of a pilot innovative project for the production of economical, high-performance metal structures for the construction of greenhouses and agricultural buildings. Furthermore, the Head of State was informed about the promising areas of work of the Scientific and Practical Centre for Animal Husbandry. One of these is the introduction of a resource-saving technology for fattening pigs in light-frame buildings. This method has made it possible to achieve average daily weight gains of over 600 g per day and ensure a product profitability of more than 30%. "The main thing is money, profit," the President emphasized, noting that a thrifty and sensible approach across the industry as a whole would significantly reduce the need for funding the state program for the development of rural areas. The Head of State was informed about the current state and prospects of breeding work in pig and dairy farming based on the creation of a selection and breeding farm (nucleus). At the end of his visit to the centre, Alexander Lukashenko noted that despite the positive impressions, in order to draw any conclusions about the effectiveness of the scientific and practical centres of the NAS, clear criteria need to be developed. "To evaluate these centres, we need to have specific criteria. This is very important," he concluded. -0-

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