Belarus plans to compensate for a slight grain harvest shortfall by purchasing from Russia

Belarus plans to compensate for a slight shortfall in the grain harvest, expected this year due to objective weather conditions, by purchasing from Russia. This was reported to the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko during a working trip to the Orsha district by officials responsible for the agro-industrial complex, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

According to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Igor Brylo, overall, a good harvest of cereals and legumes is expected this year. Naturally, this is with adjustments for difficult weather conditions related to drought. Sufficient grain volumes are projected to be harvested, and deliveries under state orders will be fulfilled. Additionally, there are reserves from last year. However, to ensure the stable operation of animal husbandry, it is necessary to additionally purchase relatively small volumes of grain from Russia. Currently, the plan is to acquire 0.5 million tons.

The Head of State noted that the current market price situation is favorable for purchases, and therefore, action should be taken in this direction. "While it's cheap, we need to buy. And even if the purchased grain is close to the cost price, if we have the capacity, we should buy it and store it. This is a gold and foreign exchange reserve. Grain will always be useful," said Alexander Lukashenko.

The President was also informed about the harvesting of almost half of the winter barley crops. Despite the drought, the results are good. The Head of State once again emphasized the correctness of the chosen strategy for cultivating this crop.

The cultivation of sunflowers was also discussed. Alexander Lukashenko had previously personally inspected the condition of sunflower fields: "I only saw sunflowers like this in Ukraine in my childhood. They are growing excellently. At this time, we could have ensiled them when feed is scarce. They are taller than me. We need to look at this, because with such a drought, the forest (of sunflowers. - BELTA note) is standing tall."

The Head of State was also briefed on the condition of other crops and harvest prospects.

Source: belta.by