President on Vitebsk region's agro-industrial complex: there is positive momentum, but problems remain

The agro-industrial complex of the Vitebsk region is showing positive dynamics, but this is not enough and there are still plenty of problems. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to this during a meeting on topical issues of the Vitebsk region's development.

"One of the most pressing issues is the harvest and fodder procurement. A month ago, at a conference call, we discussed all the acute issues and made the necessary decisions on both the harvest and specifically for the regions, including Vitebsk. Nevertheless, a number of problems remain: over a third of the areas in the Vitebsk region have not yet been harvested, the grain yield is significantly lower than last year, and fodder procurement is also below last year's level," Alexander Lukashenko noted.

The Head of State pointed out that there are indeed objective factors in the form of drought that the regional leadership can refer to, but this situation was not everywhere: "Half was dried out, half had normal crops. It was necessary to compensate for the shortfall in yield in the drought-stricken areas with a good harvest, for example, in the western regions."

The President asked the chairman of the regional executive committee to report on the preliminary results of the harvesting campaign. Alexander Lukashenko noted that the harvesting of many other crops, including corn, is still ahead, and this crop can be used to compensate for the shortfall in cereal grains.

"We must assess the performance of the agro-industrial complex of Vitebsk region as a whole. And if Vitebsk region or other regions of our country have fallen short in cereal grains, rapeseed, we have excellent corn. I warned the Deputy Prime Minister and the new Minister of Agriculture that the most difficult and important stage is ahead – to prepare for and harvest the corn. Especially for grain. The corn is standing as excellent as never before, an excellent harvest. And I am sure that if we harvest it all, we can get another two million tons of corn grain," the Belarusian leader stated.

However, he warned that simply chasing grain collection figures is not worthwhile; the corn harvesting process should be approached with local needs in mind: "Whether to harvest corn for grain or silage is up to you. There's no need to chase just to get grain. If a good ear has formed, then corn silage will also be very good. Especially for the Vitebsk region. And for others too."

Speaking directly about the situation in the Vitebsk region's agro-industrial complex, Alexander Lukashenko recalled that over three years ago, Decree No. 70 was issued, providing the region with significant state support in the form of debt write-offs, deferred obligations for 15 years, and more.

"Remember our conversation – a harsh, manly one. We have reviewed the performance results of the Vitebsk agro-industrial complex numerous times, including at on-site meetings. The current governor assured that an increase in efficiency would be ensured. It's clear that neither the Vitebsk region, nor Mogilev, nor Gomel, nor others have anywhere to retreat to," the President of Belarus noted. "Today, we see some positive shifts: the region's agriculture as a whole shows positive dynamics, milk production and milk yield per cow are growing (if there are no feeds, this dynamic will collapse). This is extremely insufficient. We have plenty of problems."

For example, livestock numbers and production are declining, there is a shortage of raw materials, and meat processing plant capacities are underutilized. "They are only a third utilized. Dairy enterprises are 70% utilized. There is room for growth and processing of raw materials – milk and meat," the President said.

He also drew attention to the weak discipline in settlements for supplied agricultural products. "This is unacceptable! If an enterprise does not have the money to pay the farmers – pay from the budget. Sit without your own salaries, but return the money to the people. Especially for the supplied milk and meat," the head of state demanded.

"The saddest thing is that we are not settling accounts, including with the population, from whom systematic complaints are received," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

He asked the head of the region to report on what he sees as reserves and how the year is planned to be concluded.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by