An apple orchard was planted in Rossony in honor of the Year of Peace and Creation
Apple trees were planted on an area of 2 hectares, which was prepared in advance and fenced off.
Over 1.5 thousand three-year-old fruit tree saplings have found a permanent home here. The selection was made considering ripening times, including both early and late varieties. The planting material was purchased from a nursery near Vitebsk – the State Agricultural Experimental Station "Luzhesnyanskaya". Approximately Br20 thousand, earned by local residents during the district subbotnik (volunteer work day), was allocated for the saplings and fencing.
"Our district is renowned for its picturesque natural landscapes, but we aim to make it even more beautiful by improving and greening every corner of our native land. It is no coincidence that trees have always been considered an extension of life on Earth, and the apple tree is a symbol of fertility, health, love, and beauty," noted Vladimir Bykov, Chairman of the Rossony District Executive Committee. "The Head of State pays great attention to the development of fruit growing in our country, especially involving young students in the process of cultivating fruit and berry crops. Such skills foster an interest in agricultural production among children and adolescents, influence future career choices, and encourage labor on the land. It has become a tradition to direct the funds collected towards supporting youth and improving the district. Among the implemented projects are the installation of a children's playground in the urban settlement, the renovation of the Rossony School, and this year – the establishment of a fruit orchard."
The planting of young apple trees is taking place approximately one kilometer from the P.M. Masherov Rossony Secondary School. It is its students and teachers who will be responsible for caring for the new fruit tree park. The symbol of the orchard, the "Apple Tree," was solemnly handed over to the head of the educational institution, Elena Morozova, during its establishment on October 6. According to her, the graduates of this year's 11th grade have already accomplished a labor feat here, planting about 300 trees.
"The establishment of this orchard is linked to history, as the first building was located on this site – a public school was established in 1896. The school has been counting its history from that moment. Of course, we anticipate a significant amount of work in cultivating such a large orchard, but modern children should understand how an apple gets to the school cafeteria on a beautifully set table," noted Elena Morozova. She added that about 20% of the students (out of a total of 573 children attending the school) will periodically assist with the cultivation of the apple trees.
Incidentally, the school already has its own small garden, which was created by its graduates seven years ago. As the workload will increase with the appearance of a new apple plantation, the educational institution hopes that public organizations will assist in its care.
The leadership of the northern region also contributed to the creation of the garden. Young trees were planted along with the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin, the Assistant to the President - Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Igor Brylo, and the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev by representatives of labor collectives, public organizations of the district, teachers, and the schoolchildren themselves.
Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin emphasized that this garden is a symbol of creation. "All the events held are woven into the fabric of what the President said, that every school should have a garden. So that children from an early age begin to be accustomed to labor and understand that apples and apple juice do not just appear in the store, but the fruits must be grown, trees must be cared for, and this is also hard work. We need to plant a garden to later enjoy the fruits of our labor in the form of juice and a tasty apple of the new harvest," said the head of the region.
"Such gardens will appear in every district, we will try to ensure that every school has something similar. Perhaps not on such a scale, not such a huge field, but still such an agro-object should exist," concluded the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by