President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has demanded that the grain harvest be completed within a tight timeframe and that measures be taken to minimise crop losses. The Head of State issued relevant instructions on August 2nd at a republican teleconference meeting on the 2017 harvest, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader.
"The bulk of the harvest should be completed in the first half of August, or by August 20th at the latest," the President stated.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the situation is quite challenging, as weather conditions and other factors have shifted the timelines for both the spring sowing campaign and crop maturation. "We are already 8-10 days behind schedule," he stated.
"The high density of work also complicates the situation. Alongside the grain harvest, it is necessary to carry out flax pulling, the second cutting of perennial grasses (the first, as you understand, was practically non-existent), sowing of catch crops, and much more," said Alexander Lukashenko. "A short period of time remains during which we need to drastically accelerate all processes, in order, on the one hand, to harvest the crop without losing a single grain, and on the other hand, to begin preparations for sowing winter crops."
The President stated that the current pace of the grain harvest is extremely low, with no more than 2-3% of the area harvested per day. "I will immediately note that everything dependent on the state for a successful harvest campaign has been done. Financial resources are available, farms are equipped with machinery (at least, no one is raising issues regarding machinery), and my relevant order regarding fuel was signed last week," the Head of State noted.
Nevertheless, a number of regions were poorly prepared for the harvest campaign, including approximately 7-8% of harvesting combines being out of order, some grain dryers not having been repaired, and a shortage of machine operators being felt in several farms. Not everywhere has adequately ensured the provision of machinery with fuel and spare parts, which could lead to loss of working time.
"It is unacceptable for the harvesting campaign mechanism to operate at a leisurely pace, as often happens. This threatens inevitable losses, which cannot be allowed this year," emphasised Alexander Lukashenko.
The President inquired from those responsible for the harvesting campaign why the equipment was poorly prepared for harvesting and warned against falsification of data. "There is one goal - to prevent losses. We cannot fertilize the soil with grain. We considered, and I still hear arguments from specialists, that 8-10% losses are normal. And this is about 1 million tons of grain," the head of state noted.
Alexander Lukashenko also drew attention to the issues of harvesting technology, taking into account the peculiarities of the current year, and the most effective use of grain drying facilities. "To delay harvesting and, as they say in the village, to dry the grain to a moisture content of 12-13% is criminal. Therefore, at 20% moisture content - harvesting must begin immediately. All grain dryers must be launched and the grain dried to the required condition," the President said.
Another important issue is the people involved in the harvesting campaign. "They must be fed, given drinks, etc. Trade unions are responsible for this," the head of state stated.
"Last week, I gave instructions to law enforcement agencies for strict control over the harvesting campaign. Control will be very serious based on the laws that exist today," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. "The preservation of the harvest is a matter of the country's food security. We cannot allow any losses."
Simultaneously with the harvesting of public sown areas, the President instructed to provide the necessary assistance to the private sector, including, if necessary, to farms.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the pace of grain harvesting is directly related to the procurement of feed from the second cutting of grasses. "Often, the same machine operators work on fodder harvesting and grain harvesting combines. What is the situation with machine operators?" he inquired. "How is the sowing of post-harvest and post-mowing crops being carried out? There is great potential for fodder production there."
The President also recalled that Belarus's agricultural complex is at the stage of producing "large" volumes of milk, which means finances for agricultural organizations.
"Grain crops must be harvested quickly, and more grass fodder must be procured," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
"Another goal of the meeting is to ensure the coordination and clarity of actions of authorities and management bodies. We simply need to shake people up, spur them on, add dynamism to the work of the entire harvesting conveyor, and prevent crop losses," the President said.
Alexander Lukashenko, at the same time, stressed that it is strictly forbidden to blame everything on the weather. "God willing, we will have such weather every year. An ideal year for agriculture. Man does not live by bread alone. Let there be a second cut, excellent grasses, good grains, ideal potatoes grown, not bad flax, vegetables. This is also a harvest. And a very important one for people," the Head of State noted.
"We still have a lot of sloppiness, elementary negligence, and regrettable shortcomings, which are unacceptable in the current conditions. Now it is necessary for everyone to try their best and harvest the grain from the fields, without stretching the work for a month or a half and without expecting that the Lord will send us better weather. In no case should we relax. We need to maintain the pace of work not only in harvesting grain but also in harvesting other crops," Alexander Lukashenko remarked.
For the period of the harvesting campaign, the President granted the chairmen of district executive committees the broadest powers: "I want everyone to understand this, and especially those to whom I address this thesis: the decisions of the chairman of the district executive committee until October 1, 2017, related to the harvesting campaign, are final and not subject to appeal. If the chairman of the district executive committee needs to take certain actions, then he will take them. No one has the right to interfere in his administrative and organizational functions. Only the governor can correct him, if he agrees. I am saying this so that there are no excuses later that someone lacked the authority to harvest the grain."
Alexander Lukashenko also noted that in each district there are about three to four problematic farms. "Deal with them. Don't wander around the district pretending to be in control. Go where you are needed. The chairman of the district executive committee bears personal responsibility for these three farms. Therefore, he has been given all the powers. Act! Power is in your hands," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
The President began the conference call by hearing reports from the Chairman of the State Control Committee, Leonid Anfimov, and the Prosecutor General, Alexander Konyuk, who reported on the monitoring of agricultural organizations for their readiness for the harvesting campaign.
Monitoring results showed that approximately a quarter of farms had their grain harvesting machinery and drying complexes unprepared for operation, with a shortage of machine operators and fuel and lubricants noted in some places. Instances of grain loss were identified due to mismanagement and violations of technological regulations during crop harvesting and the ensiling of forage with high moisture content.
According to Alexander Konyuk, all prosecutors are focused on strictly suppressing instances of property theft and destruction, including crops. "An outrageous incident occurred in the Svisloch district. We will investigate, but I can already see that the investigation will have to be conducted under criminal proceedings. On July 28, the prosecutor identified the burial of approximately 20,000 tons of last year's harvest grain by SUP "Khanchitsy - Neman"," the Prosecutor General stated.
The operational situation during the harvesting campaign in the regions and the country as a whole was also reported at the meeting by the State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus, Stanislav Zas, and the First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Ivan Podgursky.
Alexander Lukashenko severely criticized officials for failures in preparing for the harvesting campaign. In particular, he addressed Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov: "Why did you make the government decision to prepare all equipment by July 20 and not ensure that the equipment was ready? Why didn't you organize the police? Why didn't you ask the prosecutor for help? Why didn't you involve the State Control Committee six months ago? Should the Prime Minister have been summoned to the Presidential residence to question you and set tasks?"
Andrei Kobyakov reported that currently, farms are mostly ready for harvesting, but approximately 30% of organizations have chronic problems. "So what does 'mostly' mean? Do you understand what 30% of farms means? If you intend to harvest 8 million tons of grain, discard 30%... Are you not planning to harvest 3 million tons of grain today?" the President asked. "It's time for the government to get out of their offices. You are working like accountants, talking about some kind of statistics. Here is the statistic, when we went and looked directly."
Alexander Lukashenko warned the government members responsible for the harvesting campaign, and the heads of the local power vertical, about their responsibility for fulfilling the set tasks: "We have provided the farms with the necessary resources. Everything we could. We are straining the entire country. And you cannot put a tractor in its place and call a drunk mechanic to order. We hold seminars, we teach someone. Whom are we teaching? They have long been trained. Set specific tasks and implement them."
Separately, the President inquired about the quality of the machinery supplied to the farms, addressing this question to Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko. The Deputy Prime Minister reported that as of 2016 and the first half of 2017, a decrease in machinery defects was noted – both warranty and post-warranty. He informed that all tasks for providing machinery for the current harvest have been completed. New grain and forage harvesters have been produced in sufficient quantities, however, not all of them have been paid for. "Therefore, the problem lies with the farms, with the regions. They need to be bought out," said Vladimir Semashko.
Alexander Lukashenko instructed the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Control Committee to report on cases of warranty machinery failure starting from August 1. "God forbid warranty machinery fails – report all these facts to me across the country. And God forbid the guarantor does not show up there for more than a day," warned the head of state.
The head of state instructed to analyze the relevant indicators in comparison with the number of failures of machinery from foreign manufacturers of world-renowned brands. "Let's take their failures. If Semashko works at this level, there are no complaints against him. If it's even slightly worse, let them blame themselves. Enough coddling them. Semashko is personally responsible for substandard equipment," stated the President.
Regarding the supply of manufactured equipment, the head of state instructed to promptly resolve this issue. "Send all the ordered machinery to the farms. If it is not paid for – under the guarantees of the governors. Let the industrialists sort it out with Semashko, until when they can wait for payment this year. What's the point if the combines are manufactured, and they are standing at the factory today. There is no money… Well, it will appear tomorrow. But the combines will not be needed tomorrow. Therefore, send them immediately under the guarantees of the governors and Kobyakov for payment," ordered the Belarusian leader.
Regional heads were on a direct video link during the conference call. They reported in detail on the progress of the harvesting campaign, the provision of necessary means and resources, equipment, fodder procurement, and a number of problematic issues.
The President urged not to deceive oneself regarding the procurement and preservation of fodder for livestock. He inquired about the situation in this area from the Chairman of the Brest Regional Executive Committee, Anatoly Lis. "You have mounds, heaps, how many of them are there in the region: silage, haylage?" - asked Alexander Lukashenko.
"Unfortunately, we do have them," the governor stated.
"Let's agree on this: this year and next year, the problem with trenches in the country must be resolved. Somewhere, some need to be raised, rebuilt. Because I have seen your trenches. This is less characteristic of you, but very characteristic of others: they are dug 2 meters deep. And as soon as there is rain, snow, or anything else, water stands there. At least a meter of fodder will not just be sour, it will rot if you don't manage to get it out. You know what we are talking about. Therefore, all trenches in each region must be inspected," the President instructed.
"This concerns the quality of fodder, the health of animals. Therefore, unsuitable trenches must be dug up and redone, placed in the right location. Where necessary (instead of your heaps and mounds), new trenches should be built. You, Andrey Vladimirovich (Prime Minister Andrey Kobyakov), have this year and next year. Otherwise, do not procure herbaceous fodder where you put it in mounds. This is rot, poison for livestock," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko.
According to the head of state, it is necessary to tackle this issue with full force, as was done at one time regarding the construction of potato storage facilities. "When potato storage facilities were built, potatoes became profitable because we have the opportunity to sell them in April-May. The same must be done with these trenches," he said.
"We deceive ourselves. We procure fodder, so to speak. And we put it in mounds. All assistants are to control this issue. Next year, all trenches must be operational. This issue must be under strict control, and it needs to be resolved once and for all," the Belarusian leader concluded.
In the report by the Chairman of the Brest Regional Executive Committee, Anatoly Lis, a request was made to the government and the President to consider the possibility of supplying potash fertilizers with deferred payment until January 2018. There are also issues with financing the purchase of fuel for winter sowing and the acquisition of phosphate fertilizers.
Alexander Lukashenko instructed the government and the National Bank to resolve financial issues related to ensuring agricultural work. "As for resolving financial issues, Kallaur is responsible with his head, and Kobyakov is tied to him. All financial issues, taking into account the capabilities of the regions, of course, must be resolved," the President stated.
"Keep in mind that now everyone will come with portfolios asking for money. Therefore, we need to sort it out. Where the situation is catastrophic, we need to help," the Head of State added.
"Regarding the issues raised about potash fertilizers: I agree. We need to set the task for Belaruskali to produce the required amount of fertilizers and supply them to the agricultural sector under the guarantees of the governor, with payment by January 1," Alexander Lukashenko instructed.
The issue of fuel provision was also raised at the meeting by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev: "I would like to support my Brest colleague. Indeed, there is fuel today for the harvesting campaign. But a full range of work needs to be carried out – straw, winter crop sowing, etc. There is not enough fuel for this. There is a deficit. I would very much like to resolve the issue of fuel on credit, so as not to hinder the scope of work, the complex as a whole."
"Decisions on fertilizers and fuel. The Prime Minister and authorized officials for the regions are responsible for this. The irreducible fuel reserve in the region (not in specific farms, but in the region) must be weekly. I will ask the governors to report to me personally if, starting from August 10, there is no weekly reserve at the governor's disposal," the President instructed.
"A weekly irreducible reserve must be formed by August 10. Get to work. I have determined the financial, fertilizer, and fuel issues for you," Alexander Lukashenko added.
The President also noted that the current year is a moment of truth for three governors in Belarus. The Head of State made this statement after hearing the report of the Chairman of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Dvornik, who, in particular, reported that crop production in the region would be increased by the end of the year.
"I don't see any major problems that would require your intervention, except for those reported by my colleagues. Everything else is proceeding as usual," said the governor.
"You should have no questions for me or for the centre. All the issues you raised with me were resolved on the spot. If any minister or government member has failed to comply, tell Semashko or me directly. Pick up the phone and call. We have made all the decisions, starting with the Chernobyl zone. We have discussed conceptually and practically all the issues," the President noted.
"I am saying this because for you, for Anatoly Lis (Chairman of the Brest Regional Executive Committee), for Vladimir Kravtsov (Chairman of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee), this year is a moment of truth. I have told you this and I repeat it publicly now. Domanevsky and Sherstnev (governors of Mogilev and Vitebsk regions) are on their way," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
Regarding Anatoly Isachenko, who was recently appointed Chairman of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Lukashenko noted that despite this, he would not have time to rest.
"But for the three governors who have been working for a considerable time, this is a moment of truth. Don't be offended. I have told each of you this like men. Therefore, do everything necessary so that at the end of the year you can say: there were so many centners, now there are so many, there was silage and haylage in stacks, now it's in trenches, there was this much corn, now there's this much. And here are the green fodder, cabbage, and onions. You will be fully accountable for all of this this year," said the President.
He noted that he would most likely visit the respective three regions later, in autumn or winter. "We will sum up the results on the ground. I am simply warning you so that you have something to say in the presence of the President and the residents of the beautiful southern regions and the leading region," the head of state added.
Alexander Lukashenko particularly noted that there were no claims against any particular governor. "I do not rule out that you may need to be awarded for your work. And you immediately start worrying that you will be held accountable tomorrow. You are right. I hold you accountable every day," the President remarked. "But the three governors are those who must deliver results higher than in previous years this year, no matter what."
The President also drew attention to the fact that the main thing is financial performance, not, for example, the volumes of harvesting or gathering of certain agricultural crops. "You can harvest nothing at all, but there should be money in the farms. That's what's important – the efficiency of management. Of course, without grain, corn, which you cultivate, without grasses, silage, haylage, livestock farming, there will be no money," the Head of State noted.
Commenting on the report of the Chairman of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Kravtsov, Alexander Lukashenko said: "I think you won't let me down there. You know what it's about. I don't even want to talk about the Grodno region – everything there should be perfect. The region cannot be worse than others. It was once one of the best regions of the Soviet Union, a leading one."
As for the capital region, Alexander Lukashenko instructed to promptly select a candidate for the vacant position of the Aide to the President of Belarus – Inspector for the Minsk Region. Similarly, a head has not been appointed in the Soligorsk District.
"This (resolution of personnel issues) must be done immediately," the Head of State said. "They need to be sent to the 'front' now, not appointed in winter. People will get up to speed faster."
"We will be in the region soon, and more than once, and we will see what is happening there," the President noted.
He also urged the Chairman of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee, Anatoly Isachenko, to work in contact with the Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee: "He should be your first assistant during these difficult harvesting periods. Because the Minsk Region is half the country. You have the largest volumes. And the Minsk Region has always been the most problematic. Not because the personnel here are bad or there is less order, but because it is the largest region and too diverse."
Addressing the Chairman of the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Domanevsky, Alexander Lukashenko expressed concern regarding some personnel issues and relationships in this area. "I want to remind all governors, chairmen of district executive committees, and my aides: the governor is the first person in the region; if he makes a decision, no aide can overturn it," the President said. "The Head of Administration will visit you soon on specific issues, and we will see what is happening with personnel there," he said.
The President demanded from the Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, Andrei Sharts, to prevent seasonal price fluctuations for fruit and vegetable products in Minsk: "Contracts must be concluded for winter stocks for the two-million-strong Minsk and its guests. You will purchase as much as needed so that we do not have seasonal price fluctuations."
Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that all warehouses and storage facilities of the capital should be used, if necessary, for storing the harvest, including that of the Minsk region.
Regarding prices, the Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee assured that the situation is under control. "We track prices daily both in retail chains and at markets," said Andrei Sharts.
The President generally demanded personal involvement in the harvesting campaign from the highest-ranking officials. "Mikhail Vladimirovich (Myasnikovich), you and Andreiсhenko must immediately go to the regions and be directly involved there. He to the Vitebsk region, and you to the Brest region. You are relatively free now. Therefore, organize the harvesting campaign there. This applies to Zaysa, this applies to Zayats - these are strong, competent, experienced people - and other authorized persons. All leaves, all trips abroad without my knowledge are prohibited for everyone. Everything must now be focused on work in the countryside," he said.
"We need to help the peasants, and make the idlers, whom we have spoken about, work," emphasized the Belarusian leader.
At the end of the meeting, the head of state once again focused on the main tasks and the instructions given. "I insist that the weather is not bad, we need to know how to harvest. Do not wait. If the grain moisture is 20% - start harvesting immediately. Bring it to the warehouse and dry it," he noted, emphasizing the importance of using local fuels in grain dryers.
The President also demanded a rapid increase in grain yield to 45 centners per hectare. "To achieve this, we need not just technologies - we need to decide which fields these grains will be cultivated on. If you cannot ensure it with technology, then there is no need to sow. If we are to achieve a yield of 45 centners, then we can sow 25% fewer fields. And this is an achievable figure for us," the Belarusian leader is confident.
Another strategic crop that the President drew attention to is flax. He instructed to fully supply the Orsha Flax Combine with both long and short fiber.
Alexander Lukashenko stressed the importance of minimising harvest losses during the harvesting campaign. In this regard, he instructed to develop a transportation strategy, including with the involvement of the military. He separately addressed the quality of Belarusian machinery, taking into account the complaints from agricultural organisations. "Gather your people and demand accountability for every tractor, combine harvester and other machinery," he addressed the Minister of Industry, Vitaly Vovk.
The President emphasised the need for timely payment of wages in agricultural enterprises: "Nobody will work for free on a collective farm or state farm. Therefore, the peasants must be paid if there are arrears. And normal tariffs must be set so that people can earn decent money during these months."
The Head of State instructed law enforcement agencies and the Committee of State Control to identify and punish those responsible for disrupting the harvesting campaign. "If we don't do this, it will just be talk, and people at the local level will shrug their shoulders – they talked and forgot. I will not forget. All those responsible must be brought to justice. Starting from October 1, begin monitoring and taking measures, hold the managers accountable," he stressed.
Alexander Lukashenko separately touched upon the topic of media coverage of the harvesting campaign. "Mass media need to deploy their full resources, showcase the best crews and families. This is a tribute to the people working in the countryside. But it is also necessary to show the shortcomings that were mentioned today," said the Head of State.
He urged the mass media to start working in this direction immediately. "Television, radio, newspapers, the internet – everything should be filled with this," the President emphasised.-0-
News of Belarus (BELTA)