In May 2001, the Head of State participated in a community work day in the village of Atolino, Minsk District. Together with the villagers, the President worked in a greenhouse and planted potatoes. Much has changed since then, of course. There is no trace left of collective farms in the traditional sense. The technologies for growing potatoes have also changed. Only on personal plots are tubers still planted and harvested by hand, but they remain an indispensable part of the diet. In the new episode of the YouTube project "As a Matter of Fact: The First's Decisions," we will tell you why Belarusians cannot live without this root vegetable, which varieties are the tastiest, and how many times a week the President eats potatoes.
When did potatoes appear in Belarus
Potatoes are believed to originate from Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. Belarusians first tried this root vegetable during the times of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. At that time, it was a delicacy. Mass cultivation in fields began in the mid-18th century. The inhabitants of the Grodno region were the innovators, and only a century later did potatoes appear on the tables of all Belarusians. Gradually, it became the main national vegetable, earning us the humorous nickname "bulbashy" (potato-eaters).
"For example, we are called 'bulbashy,' but the potatoes we have now are not the same as they used to be. This year, we will complete the development of a special program, determine how much potato we need for the domestic market, and how much potato we can sell. But we will bring back this crop, which is invaluable to us. It is very profitable and promising," stated the Head of State during a working trip to the Vitebsk region in August 2009.
The development of potato cultivation in sovereign Belarus began at the initiative of the President. Alexander Lukashenko, even when he was a farm manager, delved into all the nuances of cultivating the crop. Numerous tasks had to be addressed on a national scale. This included revising the seed production system, organising specialised farms, and constructing storage facilities and logistics centres for sales.
"Today, the same potatoes and agricultural products are gold, more valuable than oil. Potatoes yield 100 percent profitability, even more at current prices… But where to put the potatoes? There are no storage facilities. Storing them in clamps is a crime. Go and bury your family jewels in the ground, just throw them in and bury them – you wouldn't do that. That's how valuable our produce is today. And it's not true that there's nowhere to store it. I have instructed the Minister of Agriculture and the Prime Minister to find locations with the governors within three days and store all potatoes and vegetables there. There's no need to sell now, by and large, or not sell everything. We need to hold back and sell at three times the price," the Head of State pointed out the need for careful storage of agricultural products, and in particular potatoes, at the VI Congress of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus in 2010.
Development of Potato Growing in Belarus
For potato cultivation to be profitable, it is necessary to preserve its marketable condition until the new season. Storage in clamps has been abandoned. Modern storage facilities on farms allow for the preservation of the harvested crop. High-tech storage facilities are constantly being improved. It is important to strictly adhere to the conditions (regardless of whether it is an artificial intelligence system or a regular cellar).
"Potatoes require low temperatures of two to four degrees for storage. They should be stored in darkness at a humidity of 70-75%. Potatoes turn green in the light. People store them excellently in cellars if the necessary conditions are met. Furthermore, all enterprises in Belarus are equipped with excellent storage facilities. New systems of the fifth technological order are being developed. It should be noted that our producers are offering such systems with artificial intelligence," said Vadim Makhan'ko, General Director of the RUP "Scientific and Practical Centre of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Potato and Fruit and Vegetable Growing".
"In our country, there are about 700 thousand tonnes of potato storage capacity, which allows us to preserve potatoes and use them in full. They are equipped with climate control, processing, sorting, and packaging lines. This is necessary to market potatoes as competitive products. Currently, technologies are being improved, and this requires the implementation of specific lines and equipment," noted Tatyana Karbanovich, Deputy Head of the Main Department of Crop Production - Head of the Department of Potato Growing, Fruit and Vegetable Growing, Agrochemistry and Plant Protection of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus.
How many potatoes does one Belarusian eat per year
Last year, farms of all categories harvested 3 million 857 thousand tonnes of potatoes. This is more than enough to feed the country. 300 thousand tonnes were exported. On average, a Belarusian consumes 160 kg of the product per year. This season, the sown areas for potatoes have been reduced by 2 thousand hectares. As noted by the relevant department, this decision is justified. We will not be left without potatoes.
"Traditionally, the largest areas for potato planting are allocated to farms in the Minsk and Brest regions. They account for about 50%. However, it cannot be said that these regions have all the resources. Large organisations are present in every region," said Tatyana Karbanovich.
According to her, potatoes produced in the public sector are used for stocking for the next year's harvest, are placed in stabilisation funds, and are sold at fairs: "Analysis of the last five years shows that potato production per capita has increased from 360 kg to 530 kg. Consumption has remained at the level of 160-165 kg per capita."
What potato dishes do Belarusians cook
Why is the potato called the second bread? This is because the vegetable is very filling: a few tubers are enough to satisfy hunger. Our country has over 300 potato dishes: draniki, kletski, kolduny, casseroles, and much more. The tradition of preparing dishes from grated potatoes has even been recognised as a historical and cultural value of the country. Journalists once suggested to the President to popularise the national cuisine of Belarus by personal example.
This suggestion was made at a press conference given by the President of Belarus to the media of the Russian regions in August 2003. One of the Russian journalists complained that Belarusian draniki (potato pancakes) were impossible to find in Moscow, after which he suggested that the head of state should popularise national Belarusian cuisine by personal example.
"Well, we will feed you draniki," Alexander Lukashenko assured the Russian journalist. "In any case, the draniki that you will love and appreciate will not be made in Moscow. Because it is inconvenient to transport Belarusian chefs there, and you will never teach Muscovites. Moreover, in Belarus, from my point of view, the way I like to cook draniki, not everyone knows how to do it. There was an incident in my life. When I became President, the cook prepared draniki. I like them when they are dried, crispy, and not greasy. And I, already being President, taught this cook how to prepare draniki for me. It's a special dough preparation, but there's nothing complicated about it. The proportion is a little flour, an egg, potatoes, and, most importantly, baking. Therefore, not everyone in Belarus knows how to cook good draniki."
What differentiates potato varieties, and which ones are most popular
There are over 170 potato varieties in the state register, about 50 of which are of Belarusian selection. Different maturity groups are distinguished: early, mid-early, mid-season, and mid-late. "Breeze" and "Skarb" are well-known. They are resistant to late blight, have a high starch content, and a pleasant taste. "Persvetsvet", "Mastak", and "Yulia" are gaining popularity. New varieties are also resistant to diseases and pests.
"The 'Breeze' variety ranks first in terms of planting. Thanks to the balance of all indicators, it occupies the largest areas. Our Belarusian variety 'Skarb' is also holding its position. It is a table variety that is also unsurpassed in terms of storage. The 'Manifest' variety, which is well-known and loved not only in our country but also abroad, has stably occupied its planting areas," said Vadim Makhan'ko.
Belarus produces varieties for various purposes. "These include table varieties, and varieties for the production of chips, starch, and french fries. The most important thing we are working on is resistance to diseases and pests. But we do not forget about the population when it comes to health and ecology," he added.
When purchasing, it is important to understand the intended use of the potato. Domestic breeders offer many varieties – for example, for mashing, baking, and boiling. There are varieties for salads, for adding to frozen vegetable mixes, for preparing instant mashed potatoes, and for vacuum storage. French fry potatoes are considered a promising area. The only facility for their production operates in Tolochin.
"We have one plant in Belarus for its production, located in Tolochin. Its capacity is sufficient to fully supply Belarus if operating on a single shift. The plant can operate on three shifts to supply our neighbours as well," noted Vadim Makhan'ko.
He pointed out that the creation of varieties for French fries is a very complex segment. "A specific set of varieties is used worldwide. The difference is that, in addition to varieties from other breeding institutions, we use domestic varieties. This is a very promising area, considering the growth in the number of catering establishments," he believes.
How Presidential Estates Contribute to the Breeding of Domestic Potato Varieties
Presidential estates traditionally serve as an experimental platform for domestic breeders. New varieties are tested here every year. As soon as the weather and schedule permit, the President personally visits the fields. Alexander Lukashenko always digs potatoes himself and assesses the yield.
"This year, we harvested nearly 300 tonnes of potatoes from a small plot. We also gave some away. To the monastery, they will deliver it tomorrow. We give it to people. Some get seeds, because these are new varieties. I personally engage in this for pleasure, searching for new varieties," the Head of State shared one of his hobbies during a working trip to the Gomel region in February 2020.
"Our President has estates where scientists' developments are tested. At one time, the Head of State decided to support agricultural science and focused on domestic developments. Now, with the unstable global situation and the imposition of sanctions, we can confidently say that agriculture is supplied with seeds, seedlings, and vegetable seeds. And all this is within the framework of the Academy of Sciences, which is actively supported by the President," emphasised Vadim Makhan'ko.
To Which Countries Does Belarus Supply Potatoes
The potatoes harvested from the presidential fields are then distributed to nursing homes and orphanages. Journalists from the presidential pool have long appreciated the Head of State's potatoes. During one of his visits to Russia, Alexander Lukashenko gifted four bags of the root vegetable to his colleague Vladimir Putin. What a present for the New Year holidays! Belarusian potatoes are a brand of quality and taste. By the way, recently the Governor of the Stavropol Krai told the President of Russia that his potatoes were better than Belarusian ones. This, of course, brought a smile to Putin's face, as well as to our scientists.
"Belarusian potatoes have been distinguished by their special culinary qualities since the Soviet era. Belarusian varieties were benchmarks of taste quality. In the Soviet Union, there was the 'Temp' variety, then 'Lasunak', and today 'Nara'. It can be said that many strive for the taste qualities of Belarusian potatoes. This is a distinctive feature," stated Vadim Makhan'ko with confidence.
"The brand of Belarusian potatoes is recognizable, loved, and in demand. The geography of supplies is quite extensive and includes Russia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Moldova, Montenegro, and other countries," noted Tatyana Karbanovich.
Considering the traditions, the successes of our scientists, and the personal oversight of the President, it is sometimes strange to see potatoes from other countries on the shelves, especially at lower prices and with a more attractive appearance. Hence the President's strict demand: first, ensure the domestic market, and only then send goods for export. So that it doesn't turn out that Belarusians are eating Egyptian potatoes. A potato is a potato, even in Africa. But our own is tastier and certainly should not be more expensive.
"Sell it. But if you fail by July-August, before early potatoes and cabbage appear, you will have only yourselves to blame," the Head of State warned officials at a meeting on pricing in February this year. "Decide for yourselves there. Together with the government, if necessary. But I repeat: you raised this issue - I made a decision. It must be strictly enforced. Potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and so on, until the new harvest – clean, neat, like imported ones, displayed in stores. People will gladly buy Belarusian, but make sure it looks presentable. It's not bad in quality, sell it. But if, as the Prime Minister said, in June, July, August, there will be African and some other potatoes at exorbitant prices – you will have only yourselves to blame. Low prices, domestic produce – do it. As for the rest, take it anywhere, even to the moon. Please – export it, just feed your own people."
How Potatoes Benefit Health
Potatoes contain a good set of beneficial substances. They contain calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamins B, C, K, and P. They also contain a lot of fiber and protein, which are mainly found in the peel. This is why boiled potatoes in their jackets are healthier than peeled ones. Root vegetables are beneficial for those with high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and kidney issues. They will also not harm those who often catch colds, as potatoes have an antibacterial effect on the body. As for how often to cook potato dishes, that is up to each individual.
"I eat potatoes once a week so I can play hockey and not get fat. Once a week on average, rarely twice. I restrain myself artificially," the President of Belarus told the Kazakh television channel "Khabar" in an interview in October 2019.
According to Belhydromet, the conditions for the potato harvest this year are quite favorable. This means there is a real chance to grow a good harvest. We do not deify the root vegetable as the Peruvians, the inhabitants of the potato's homeland, did. But we love this vegetable very much and, perhaps, cannot imagine our lives without it. And we are also ready to share the harvest with our neighbors.
"Potatoes are our savior. If you grew potatoes during the war and other times – you had something instead of bread, instead of milk… When people ask me what monument I would erect in Belarus for the war… I would erect a monument of a sack of potatoes and a cow," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the value of this agricultural crop in an interview with the Kazakh television channel "Khabar".-0-
The project was created with funds from a targeted levy for the production of national content.
Source: belta.by