Business news

Belarus’ agricultural exports over $5bn in 2018

KOBRIN, 30 January (BelTA) – Belarus exported more than $5 billion worth of agricultural products in 2018, Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Leonid Zayats said during an onsite board meeting of the ministry in Kobrin on 30 January, BelTA has learned.

“Thanks to our agricultural producers, we have ensured food security of the country and strong exports which exceeded $5 billion last year,” the minister said.

According to him, Belarus has set ambitious targets for the current five-year term. The gross domestic product is expected to make up not less than $100 billion. The agricultural industry is projected to expand almost 1.5 times. To meet these targets the commodity output should increase by not less than 5% in 2019 and not less than 3% in 2020. 

These figures are feasible, especially for Brest Oblast, Leonid Zayats said. He believes that the region should set more ambitious goals in terms of production of milk and meat. “The region has posted good growth. You have the best numbers in milk husbandry in the country. In 2019 you are set to invest heavily in the upgrade of the existing enterprises, further build production capacities. This will help you meet the targets. In addition, you should tap more into the reserves,” the minister said.

In 2018 milk production in Brest Oblast rose by 5.9% to amount to 1.6 million tonnes, Brest Oblast First Vice Governor Valery Rebkovets reported. The average milk yield per cow increased by 268kg to reach 5,763kg. The country’s absolute leader is Molodovo-Agro company from Ivanovo District with around 10.6 tonnes of milk yield per cow. The region exports more than half of dairy output and almost 39% of meat products. 

Companies affiliated with the Brestmyasomolprom Association exported $672 million worth of products in 2018, which was $12 million more than in the previous year. Products were shipped to 35 countries. Exports to China rose four times in 2018 over 2017 to amount to $11.2 million. The local companies branched out into the markets of Tajikistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Ghana, Denmark and other countries. “All dairy factories operate in the black,” Valery Rebkovets said.

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