Nikolai Shertnev Discussed Current Issues of Regional Agro-Industrial Complex Development with Future Heads of Agricultural Enterprises
Nikolai Shertnev discussed current issues of regional agro-industrial complex development with future heads of agricultural enterprises.
"If you've started, you must see it through" – with these words, the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Shertnev, addressed the future heads of agricultural enterprises after discussing current issues of the region's agro-industrial complex development.
For two days, those included in the personnel reserve for managerial positions in agricultural enterprises underwent training at the regional advanced training courses. Currently, they head various departments and work as specialists, thus needing to gain broader experience, both theoretical and practical, to think strategically, make bold and necessary management decisions, and know how to implement them.
Nikolai Shertnev has introduced personal communication with the reserve personnel into practice. The conversation took place in a question-and-answer format. Nikolai Nikolaevich communicated with the audience informally, aiming to make these young individuals his like-minded colleagues, proactive, competent, and believers in the success of the common cause.
The questions varied, from the problems of specific farms to various approaches in state agrarian policy. For instance, many agricultural enterprises lack livestock facilities that meet the required standards for producing goods with minimal costs. What should be done?
-- There is a state program for the construction of large dairy and pig farming complexes, -- replied Nikolai Sherstnev, -- but the preferential loans provided for it will only be enough for 10 farms for the entire country. Our region, where only 25 percent of livestock are kept in acceptable conditions, has developed its own algorithm of action. We will restore old premises using our own methods, with minimal costs. Funds for building materials have been reserved at the district and regional levels, and we need proposals from the local level regarding the scope of work and the formation of repair teams. We need to commission 150 premises within a year. In parallel, we will build 20 new (robotized only!) complexes for 2000 cows and 4 pig breeding farms. The work of a milkmaid is not valued anywhere in the world, but servicing the software complex of such a farm is a prestigious job.
Why does the dairy plant settle with the collective farm for milk only at the end of the month, and even then not in full? Nikolai Nikolaevich suggested looking for the answer to this question from the position of a statesman. When milk production falls year after year, the processor cannot load its capacity, and profitability decreases. It takes out loans and increases its debt burden. The developed action program, with the signing of the Presidential Decree on the agro-industrial complex of the Vitebsk region, will allow working from scratch by temporarily "cutting off" debts. The dairy or meat processing plant, in conjunction with raw material producers, will be responsible for paying wages to the entire collective workforce, eliminate redundant employees throughout the chain, strengthen technological discipline, and increase capacity utilization. Then there will be enough funds to pay for raw materials, and once the structure is on its feet, it will be able to settle its debts.
Questions were asked about the sources of mineral fertilizer procurement. There are none, and the sowing campaign is imminent. Noting that support measures will be provided, Nikolai Sherstnev, first and foremost, urged farmers to strictly ensure all elements of crop production technology. Fertilizers, with proper soil treatment, selection of predecessors, and care work, should be applied precisely, with fractional top dressing. They will not ensure a high yield on their own.
The discussion was not limited to production. Wages, conditions for retaining young specialists in rural areas, incentives, and career growth prospects were of equal interest to those gathered. Nikolai
Sherstnev outlined the region's policy on these important issues. The main incentive for young people to work well and stay long-term is high remuneration. This is ensured by production results in fields and on farms. The region has developed and communicated approaches to wage payment for specific categories, including young specialists, to the districts, and these must be applied. For a decent result, one must be paid well! Distribution after educational institutions is already directed towards stronger farms, where, with diligence, young people can learn, grow, and not become disillusioned with their profession. The social sphere will be improved in the largest settlements, agro-towns with prospects, as attempts to maintain life in every village are doomed to failure according to economic laws. Resources will simply not be enough.
Summing up the conversation, the head of the region noted his intention to hold similar meetings more frequently and in a broader format in the future.
"Since we are focusing on youth, we must develop a unified and clear strategy for joint action," he said. "And if a person commits, then we must support them. You will not gain experience like that working in agriculture anywhere else. The village is in worse conditions compared to other sectors. We need to improve them, learn to achieve guaranteed results. And then you will be the most respected people in society."