On November 23, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. A "potato commune" is operating in the Verkhnedvinsk district. The commune members were organised by the agricultural enterprise "Drissensky", as reported to BELTA correspondent by the enterprise director Vasily Gubanov. The "potato commune" is a method of supporting and assisting private subsidiary farms of villagers residing within the territory of the agricultural enterprise. For instance, for potato cultivation, "Drissensky" allocates a separate field to the commune members, which is divided into plots by lot. A family typically receives about 15 ares. The main task of a commune member is to stock up on seed potatoes, while the enterprise undertakes all other cultivation efforts: planting, hilling, fertilising, blight treatment, and haulm mowing. The commune member is only left to harvest the crop after the potato harvester, also provided by the farm. According to Vasily Gubanov, the commune's experience has been well-received by the villagers, especially since the fee for the work carried out by the farm on private plots is minimal. This year's harvest has allowed them not only to stock up on potatoes for the winter but also to generate additional income from their sale. Grain for personal use is also grown using communal methods. Furthermore, the enterprise sells hay to cow owners at cost price. Firewood is supplied to all who wish to stock up for the winter. The care for people is reflected in the farm's performance – "Drissensky" is one of the best agricultural enterprises in the Verkhnedvinsk district. The farm keeps over 2.3 thousand head of cattle, with a milking herd of 700 cows. The milk yield per cow is 6.2 tonnes per year, with all milk supplied as "extra" grade for the last two months. In 2010-2011, two farms were reconstructed and a new grain drying complex was built at the enterprise using its own funds. With state support, the first phase of a dairy complex for 700 head was commissioned. The enterprise plans to commission the second phase by the end of the current year.-0-

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