Belarus expects to harvest about 10 million tons of grain

10 августа 2017

By Natalia Breus: By 20 August, the harvesting campaign in Belarus is expected to be completed, which is why it is now crucial to press on and accelerate the pace of work. Such a demand was made today by the President during his working trip to Brest Region.

During a teleconference last week, Alexander Lukashenko got in touch with each region and discussed all the challenges of the current harvesting campaign. He then announced a series of visits to the regions. A week later now, the President is paying a working visit to Brest.

Both tasks outlined in the state programmes and issues that need the most effective solutions are in the focus of attention of the President.

Today, Alexander Lukashenko changed the route of his visit and went to see the Kosovo farm, which is finding itself in a difficult situation. During the visit, several specific decisions were taken immediately, and then had a warm conversation with the agrarians who are now working nonstop for the sake of the common cause and for the welfare of the whole country. Also, the issue of providing farms with fuel was also discussed. The effective use of fuel is under special control these days.

To date, the total grain yield exceeds 3.5 million tons. As expected, the most significant contribution was made by the people of Brest. Already by noon, the region reached a million tons of harvested grain.

All in all, approximately half of all the fields have been harvested. Together with the rapeseed and corn yield, this year’s harvest is expected to reach 10 million tons. The situation in the regions is different, though. For example, Vitebsk Region is lagging behind at the moment, which is why the President voiced an initiative to help the agrarians there and transfer the equipment there - once the southern regions are through with their fields.

Ivatsevichi District is the largest district in Brest Region, the biggest part of its territory is farmland. Today, the district is focusing on meat and dairy production. 6 years ago, a new farm was built in the agro-enterprise Kvasevichi. The complex has both a milking herd and dairy stores - 870 cattle in total. There are two milking rooms at the farm, and both are automatic. The raw product comes directly to the cooling tanks. Annually, one cow gives nearly 8,000 kg of milk.

Back in the 1990s, the district was struggling - the number of cattle was not increasing, profitability was declining, and livestock production was put on intensive basis. About 7 years ago, the President tasked the government with fixing the situation, and about 1,200 farms across the country were built or modernized to become the backbone of the economy. The task was to increase dairy exports.

As a result, in 2016, Belarus enjoyed a record volume of milk production. In general, by exporting food, Belarus earns almost as much as on its profitable petroleum products. Cheese and cottage cheese, milk powder and butter are the export’s top goods. Thus, further development of agricultural business will make it possible to export still more food and reach 7 billion dollars by the year 2020.

The Kosovo farm that the President visited is one of the struggling farms in Ivatsevichi District.

Two years ago, the economy of Kosovo was mired in debt. Owing to the President’s decree, it went through modernisation. The farmsteads focused on growing rape, and made considerable profits. They can also increase their meat and milk production, too. The government is ready to provide all the necessary aid for them to cope with the task. After all, honest work deserves respect and encouragement.

By the tone of the conversation on this day it became clear that the President is now focusing on a thorough analysis of the situation on the ground and a search for a solution to any challenge. This working tactic applies not only to the harvesting campaign, but to every matter at hand.