Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has been made familiar with the strategy designed to guide the development of Vitebsk Oblast’s agribusiness, BelTA has learned.
During the head of state’s working trip to Orsha District Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Aleksandr Rogozhnik presented a report on the work with investors in agriculture, on the implementation of new projects with the investments totaling nearly Br1 billion. The investors include Agrokombinat Dzerzhinskiy, OAO Savushkin Product, Gorki Food Factory, Servolux Company.
Aleksandr Rogozhnik said: “Agrokombinat Dzerzhinskiy already works with Orsha Meat Canning Plant. The economy over there has become significantly better. Without a doubt, an absolutely right decision has been made.” An additional agreement has been reached on building poultry farming facilities and facilities for cattle fattening.
Savushkin Product Company is busy reconstructing Polotsk Dairy Plant. “Modernization is in full swing. Equipment is getting shipped in,” the head of the Vitebsk Oblast administration said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko made an important strategic remark: “It is good. You have a processing industry. But you should link it up with collective farms on the ground.”
“We intend to launch a strong processing industry. It will give a good price for raw materials for deliveries from agricultural enterprises,” Aleksandr Rogozhnik said.
“They will get good raw materials. But they have to invest in the land. Because everything starts from there: with milk, with meat,” the president emphasized.
Gorki Food Factory is implementing another investment project: the Vitebsk dairy plant will be able to make a highly-profitable sour-milk beverage after modernization.
Servolux Company is investing in agricultural enterprises in Dubrovno District. Agreements have been reached on building several livestock farming complexes and on promising projects involving other investors.
Shukhratbek Abdurakhmanov, head of the administration of Uzbekistan’s Andijan Oblast, which is intent on advancing cooperation with Vitebsk Oblast, was present during the meeting. Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that such investment projects with Belarusian companies can be an example for Uzbekistan, too.
“These are some of the best companies. You can copy them. You will see how we work with our own. We will work with Uzbekistan the same way,” the Belarusian leader assured.
Aleksandr Rogozhnik also talked about fodder harvesting, harvest projections, and preparations for the harvesting campaign. This year the oblast has greatly increased the area under maize and is stocking up on grass fodder well ahead of schedule. The livestock farming industry also reported higher performance figures.
To deal with the shortage of vehicle operators, about 900 people will be loaned by various services and agencies for the duration of the harvesting campaign.
The gross yield of grain including maize and colza is expected to reach 1.2 million tonnes. The oblast gathered in slightly more than 1 million tonnes last year. In other words, the oblast expects a significant increase. “God willing, it will happen,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.
The oblast intends to buy nearly 1,400 units of various machines and vehicles this year. Agrarians have already received a significant part of the number. As many as 95% of the available harvesters are ready.
“God help you if at least one harvester will not be ready,” Aleksandr Lukashenko warned. “All the harvesters. We already talked about it a year ago. You had to select people and make arrangements with them in winter. The machines are complicated.”
The head of state also emphasized the importance of preparing grain drying facilities. “Harvesters and grain storage facilities. And oversight to prevent losses [of grain during harvesting and transportation from the fields],” the Belarusian leader stressed.
