The "Teplichny" branch of RUP "Vitebskenergo" (Orsha district) will launch the production of frozen vegetables and berries in the autumn, as reported to BELTA correspondent by the branch director Pavel Fominov.

The "Teplichny" branch of RUP "Vitebskenergo" (Orsha district) will launch the production of frozen vegetables and berries in the autumn, as reported to BELTA correspondent by the branch director Pavel Fominov.

The investment project is being implemented in the village of Orekhovsk. In the autumn, the enterprise will commission a shock freezing workshop for berries and vegetables. A contract for the production of the technological line has been concluded, and its delivery is expected in August. The multifunctional equipment is designed for the production of various mixtures (Mexican, borsch) with up to nine components. "Teplichny" will use almost all vegetables of its own production.

"Currently, we do not grow peas, so initially, we may have to purchase them. However, we are already considering options for their production. Experimental areas are planned to be established next year," explained the head of the branch.

Initially, the agricultural enterprise intends to produce up to 2 thousand tons of frozen products per year, and then increase the volume as partnership ties develop. "There is demand for these products, including abroad. Certain agreements on supply contracts have already been reached," emphasized the head of the branch.

Pavel Fominov also mentioned that the enterprise has 4 hectares of berry fields (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries). This year's sweet harvest, about 11 tons, was sold to the public through the company's retail chain. However, "Teplichny" does not intend to abandon its plans for berry freezing: an expansion of berry plantations is being considered.

A significant upgrade is planned for the "Teplichny" cannery this year: new technological lines of Belarusian-Polish production for packaging sauerkraut and bottling juice into glass containers up to 30 cm high, of Belarusian production, will be installed.

The total investment volume directed towards these projects will amount to approximately Br3.5 million.

Speaking about further plans, Pavel Fominov noted that in 2020, the branch intends to begin implementing a project to expand the greenhouse complex by 6 hectares, and in the coming years, to build a robotic farm for 1.2 thousand head of cattle in the village of Staiky, which will increase the share of livestock products in the overall production structure from 20% to 30%.

At the end of the half-year, the profitability of sales for the "Teplichny" branch of RUP "Vitebskenergo" amounted to 3.7%, revenue from sales was Br7.1 million, and the average salary was Br790. By the end of the year, the enterprise intends to achieve a revenue per employee of Br51.9 thousand. The average headcount is around 380 people.

News of Belarus (BELTA)