Improving the economic efficiency of the agro-industrial complex, as well as the effective use of tourism potential, have been identified as key growth points for the Ushachy District. The draft development strategy for this region was considered at a meeting of the regional executive committee.
As noted by Gennady Sabynich, First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, the district currently lags behind in many socio-economic indicators. This was highlighted by the Prime Minister of Belarus, Roman Golovchenko, during his visit to Ushachy this year, who instructed the local authorities, together with the regional executive committee, to develop a regional development strategy for the near future and the long term. This business plan was presented for discussion.
– We have focused on two main areas: agriculture and tourism. The first involves the development of pig farming, cattle breeding with crop production. The second is tourism, which includes our landmark projects, in particular, "Victory Breakthrough", "Extreme Breakthrough", the development of sports infrastructure, sanatorium and resort treatment, and agro-ecotourism estates, – emphasized Sergey Sadovsky, Chairman of the Ushachy District Executive Committee.
As the head of the region noted, over the past three years, about 57% of livestock products have been produced by the pig complexes of CJSC "Vitebskagrop produkt". In the development of this livestock sector, LLC "Sorochino-Agro" is successfully implementing an investment project to create a pig complex. Upon its completion, the private enterprise plans the next step to create an agroholding that will cover all stages of production, from cultivation to the production of finished products under its own brand.
– In order to attract investors, the mechanism of gratuitous transfer of unused state property, as well as auction sales, including for 1 base unit, is actively used. The pig complexes of CJSC "Vitebskagrop produkt" and LLC "Sorochino Agro" were created precisely on the basis of unused premises of district communal property, – explained Sergey Sadovsky and provided examples of other private initiatives.
Thus, the peasant farm "Verkudskoye Podvorye" acquired unused communal property at auction in the agro-town of Verkudy, on the basis of which they began raising sheep.
State agricultural enterprises will also be preserved. To enhance their efficiency, optimization will be carried out, resulting in three farms remaining in the district: KUSKhP "Velikodolskoye", OAO "Ilyushinsky", and UP "Safiyyskiye dary". Modern dairy complexes will be built, and existing livestock facilities will be reconstructed.
In crop production, optimization of the sown area structure is planned for 2024-2025, with a phased increase in perennial grass cultivation. Changes will affect the cultivation of winter and spring grain and leguminous crops. All measures initiated and continued in the next five-year period will help preserve the district's agricultural sector, increase gross output, and enhance the district's share in the region's agricultural production volume.
In tourism, the most promising types for Ushachy District will be developed: health resort tourism, active tourism, and event tourism.
– In the 1980s, at the initiative of the then leader of the republic, Pyotr Masherov, who saw Ushachy District as an ideal recreation spot, a development project for the region as a resort area was drafted. The project was recognized as practical, economical, and received four out of five diplomas at a competition. For various reasons, it was not implemented. However, Ushachy District has every reason to become a major agro-tourism destination. The development of health resort tourism will be carried out both on the basis of existing facilities and through the construction of new ones, – explained Sergey Sadovsky.
The modernization of the "Lesnye Ozera" sanatorium will continue, and new facilities are planned. OOO "Verkudskoye Podvorye" intends to implement a large-scale project, which includes the construction of a complex of tourist facilities on the territory of the former unfinished "Vechele" sanatorium. This facility will offer health improvement, treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation services, include a greenhouse farm, and produce farm products under the "Verkudskoye Podvorye" brand, with a branded store to be opened in the district center.
In addition to the main areas, attention will be paid to the development of other sectors, particularly industrial enterprises, social services, and the service sector. OOO "Vodnaya Dolina" plans to implement an interesting project – to organize the production of boiled crayfish.
– The implementation of the district development strategy will result in the preservation of social stability, an increase in the welfare level and quality of life of the population, a competitive economy, and a comfortable living environment. And more and more young people will choose Ushachy District as their small homeland, – emphasized Sergey Sadovsky.
vitebsk-region.gov.by
