Business news

MINSK, 5 February (BelTA) - Belarus’ agricultural exports increased by 15% in 2017, Belarus’ Agriculture and Food Minister Leonid Zayats said during a board meeting of the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry, BelTA has learned.

“In 2017, Belarus exported agricultural products worth $4.9 billion, which is 115% to 2016. The Agriculture and Food Ministry organizations exported $2.4 billion worth of products in 2017,” Leonid Zayats said.

“The growth in the production output of agricultural products was registered throughout the country. Belarus has taken a course on innovative development of the agrarian sector. In almost all the positions the productivity level surpassed the figures of 2016,” the minister said.

The yield of grain, colza, potatoes, and sugar beet increased in 2017. The average milk yield per cow exceeded five tonnes for the first time. “The growth of production volumes coupled with favorable price environment and adopted decisions on the financial rehabilitation of agricultural organizations contributed to the improvement of the agrarian economy. The sales proceeds increased by 17%. The net profit doubled. The number of unprofitable agricultural organizations decreased 1.7 times,” Leonid Zayats added.