A new broiler unit near the village of Kurino has opened at the Vitebsk Broiler Poultry Farm in Vitebsk District.
The broiler meat production facility includes 14 poultry houses built from energy-efficient materials, each accommodating 48,000 broiler chickens. The site utilizes floor-based rearing technology for chicks and is equipped with modern, high-quality technological equipment. It is located at a significant distance from other poultry facilities of the farm, ensuring biological safety of production in compliance with the "Empty - Occupied" technology. "Floor-based housing is a more modern stage in the development of poultry farming. All major enterprises are moving in this direction, and cage systems are already banned in many countries. Birds kept on the floor do not experience stress, resulting in ecologically clean, tasty, and high-quality meat," noted Alexey Kirnoz, Deputy General Director of the poultry farm.
The designed capacity of the site is 11.5 thousand tons of poultry meat in live weight per year. An additional 27 new jobs have been created here, including those related to high-performance roles.
"We probably would not have dared to undertake such extensive modernization of our enterprise without state support. Specifically, this includes the 'Agrarian Business' program for 2021-2025. Thanks to this program, significant compensation is provided today – 25% of the capital expenditure amount. This is very important, which is why we dared to take this step, modernizing our production and continuing to do so," stated Anna Norkus, General Director of Vitebsk Broiler Poultry Farm. "At all stages of the program's implementation, timely support was provided, and there was always complete understanding."
These sites will allow for the full capacity operation of broiler unit No. 3. To achieve full capacity – two shifts (currently only 1-1.5 shifts) – the poultry farm needs to build two more such sites. The uniqueness of the facility, according to the CEO, lies in the technology itself – the feeding, ventilation, lighting, and heating systems. Everything operates automatically. "Everything is routed to the central control panel of the dispatcher and security guard – all 14 poultry houses covering an area of almost a kilometre, where employees can currently see everything happening inside. This is also displayed on the specialists' mobile phones. While at home, they can monitor the process and identify any issues. The facility will generate additional revenue, profit, and provide opportunities for further development," emphasised Anna Norkus.
The construction of the new broiler unit site near Kurino is a continuation of the factory's large-scale development plan under the state programme "Agrarian Business" for 2021-2025. This programme is aimed at modernising production, increasing capacity, and reducing costs.
Construction of the unit site began in August 2022 and was completed ahead of schedule – within a year, saving approximately 40% of the funds (initially, 25 months were allocated for this). According to the design and estimate documentation, the cost of the process amounted to Br118.7 million, with the main financing provided by credit funds.
"This is a significant facility not only for the Vitebsk region but for the entire country. It is a prime example and benchmark of how, in these challenging conditions, firstly, such serious facilities can be built, and secondly, it was built, saving time by half. And, importantly, over 40% of the money planned for this facility was saved. This is an example of how it is possible and necessary to build, by managing finances and adopting a thrifty approach to all stages: from design to final construction. Vigilance is required everywhere, and then success like this will be achieved," said the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin. He also wished the enterprise continued progressive development, surpassing and surprising everyone.
Following the grand opening of the site, the event participants visited the new production facilities and familiarised themselves with the poultry growing technology.
JSC "Vitebsk Broiler Poultry Factory," the largest poultry meat producer and processor in the northern region, maintains its leading position in crop production and dairy farming. Currently, the workforce of the diversified agro-industrial company exceeds 4,000 people.
Within the framework of the state program "Agrarian Business" for 2021-2025, the enterprise has invested over Br300 million. The factory has completed the construction and commissioned workshops for slaughtering and processing poultry and cattle, as well as a seed drying and sorting line at the "Yanovichy" agro-complex, and broiler workshop No. 3.
vitebsk-region.gov.by
