State assistance to the agricultural sector will focus on targeted financing of promising projects

August 18, Minsk /BELTA/. Further state assistance to the agricultural sector will focus on targeted financing of promising projects. This was stated on August 15 by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko during a working trip to the Grodno region, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader.

"Next year should be a turning point in working with the land," said the head of state.

The President recalled that a lot has been done in the country to put in order machine yards, grain reception points, dairy and livestock complexes, as well as in the social sphere. "Now we need to focus on the land, on infrastructure, on what the state should be responsible for, and land reclamation – first and foremost," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

"We are engaged in land reclamation, but weakly. We need to double, or even triple our efforts," the President emphasized. He pointed out that the global demand for food will increase year by year. In his opinion, Belarus has created a powerful production base that will allow for high yields, but land resources must be sought for this.

"It is not proper for us to carry out land reclamation at the current pace. We have learned how to do it, we have created almost all the land reclamation equipment ourselves, so we need to intensify work in this direction," stressed Alexander Lukashenko. He noted that he expects proposals from Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Rusy and Minister of Agriculture and Food Leonid Zayats.

The President noted that agriculture is capable of reaching self-sufficiency, and the state will continue to finance only promising projects.

"Get ready to work in agriculture with the forces you have today. There is a lot of equipment, people want to work – work! Because the state will have to direct the main funds to measures and programs for which it is primarily responsible: roads, land, land reclamation. This is the main thing for the state," said the President.

"It is no longer appropriate to carry agricultural production on our shoulders. Peasants must earn their own living," noted Alexander Lukashenko. He drew attention to the fact that prices for agricultural products are quite high, and it is possible to earn well from them.

"This does not mean that we will not support anyone. If necessary, if we see prospects, that by investing one ruble, there will be a return tomorrow, we will invest," said the Head of State.

He stressed that the state will selectively finance projects, especially for needed products. "Because going with a broad front, as we used to do, is not necessary. Many freeloaders have already appeared who sit and think: 'They will give us something.' Nobody will give anything," the President emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that from the helicopter, he compared the farming practices in different regions of Belarus, and the Grodno region stands out favorably in this regard.

The President remarked that he counts on the agrarians of the Grodno region in restoring the pig population. "We are expecting pork from you. You must make a worthy contribution," said the Head of State. "You will get rich from this, because prices are constantly rising, especially for pork, they are already exorbitant, and whoever has pork today, has the opportunity to sell it, will have money."

The first point of the President's working trip was the mixed feed complex of OJSC "Agrokombinat "Skidelsky". Alexander Lukashenko familiarized himself with the modern technological processes of rapeseed processing, production of mixed feeds and premixes. The Head of State was informed about the fulfillment of assignments for import substitution in the mixed feed industry. As noted by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Leonid Zayats, the country will fully provide itself with mixed feeds. According to him, compared to 2004, Belarus has increased the production volume of mixed feeds by 1.4 times, and all needs are met by domestic mixed feeds. He drew attention to the fact that for 7 months of this year, due to the introduction of rapeseed oil instead of sunflower oil in mixed feeds, the savings in foreign currency amounted to $60 million.

The Head of State was also informed about the final stage of the grain harvest. Over 9 million tons of grain have already been threshed in the country with an average yield of 39.5 centners per hectare. According to Leonid Zayats, the harvest will be fully completed in 3-4 days. Currently, grain crops are being harvested in the northern regions of the Vitebsk region. Where necessary, combines are being redeployed from farm to farm, from district to district.

Alexander Lukashenko gave a positive assessment of the harvest campaign. "Today we have harvested 9 million tons of grain. This is an unprecedented harvest, this is what we need. Plus another 1.5 million tons of corn grain, as you promise, and we will fully cover our needs," said the Head of State.

At the same time, the President drew attention to the fact that all the grain harvest must be gathered from the fields. "Otherwise, you know how it usually happens in the countryside: 5% is left and they stop. And 5% is what we sometimes lack. This is bread. It must be harvested now, without relaxing, to the last grain," emphasized the Head of State.

Alexander Lukashenko inquired about the condition of the crops, the situation with the potato and vegetable harvest.

The Head of State also touched upon the issue of exporting Belarusian products.

As reported to the President, there is an increased demand for them in Russia. According to the Minister of Agriculture and Food, the supply of dairy and meat products to the Russian Federation alone from August to December can generate revenue of $2.1 billion. The Minister also reported that prices for dairy products have risen in Russia. "They are asking for our cheeses, 82% butter," said Leonid Zayats.

Alexander Lukashenko warned officials about the unacceptability of depleting the domestic market due to increased demand for Belarusian products in Russia.

"We need to get moving, take advantage of this moment and earn money," noted the Head of State. "But do not deplete your own market, so that the population receives as much product as needed."

"We must bear in mind that they have closed their market, but we have not taken on obligations regarding the domestic market. We can import products from anywhere on the planet. We need to load, process and sell," said the President. "We just need to coordinate with the Russians so that they do not accuse us of acting contrary to their policies."

Then the President visited SPC "Progress-Vertelishki". Using this advanced farm as an example, Alexander Lukashenko familiarized himself with the intensive fruit and berry production systems used in modern horticulture.

The President believes that the country needs to seriously focus on the production of fruit and vegetable products, meeting domestic needs, as was once done with potatoes and sugar beet. "We can do all of this!" stressed the Head of State. "We must stop importing apples and fruits in general. We can produce them ourselves." In his opinion, it is necessary to determine the technologies and study the experience of other countries.

As reported by the Governor of the Grodno Region, Vladimir Kravtsov, apples are grown in the region on more than 4,000 hectares. The yield here is higher than the national average. According to him, the only problem is the shortage of storage facilities.

According to Leonid Zayats, 90,000 tons of apples are consumed in Belarus, half of which are domestically produced. At the same time, the country has storage facilities designed for 80,000 tons of this product.

The orchard established at SPC "Progress-Vertelishki" is one of the first industrial-type orchards in Belarus. More than 40 varieties of apple trees are cultivated here. In 2013, over 3,000 tons of apples were harvested, and almost 1,500 tons of late-ripening apple varieties were placed in storage. The farm also grows blueberries and garden strawberries. A fruit storage facility with a capacity of 2,200 tons per season has been built on the farm for storing apples. Its main feature is the storage of apples in cold rooms with a controlled atmosphere. Apples are stored from September to April-May with minimal losses. In 2009, a line was installed here to sort fruits by weight, diameter, and color intensity. The Head of State was informed about the development of ancillary industries, the creation of additional jobs, social development, and the improvement of the rural settlement.

Alexander Lukashenko considers "Progress-Vertelishki" to be the best farm in the country. In his opinion, managers should be sent here to gain experience in successful farming, as well as students of agricultural educational institutions for practical training.-0-

News of Belarus (BELTA)