MINSK, 26 July (BelTA) - Belarus is not planning to export grain and will use it for livestock breeding purposes, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a conference to discuss the progress in the harvest campaign on 26 July, BelTA has learned.
The president gave instructions to work out the best harvesting ways to ensure the maximum yields and to prevent losses. “Harvest the crops at 20% or even 22% moisture content. It is better to dry the grain out. It will still be profitable. You have no idea how much demand there will be for agricultural products, including grain. We are not going to export grain, however. We need to use it in cattle breeding, produce milk, meat and other products, and sell these products on international markets,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
“Believe me, next year and even in two-years’ time the grain of the current season will be much more expensive. The price for grain and other agricultural products will increase significantly. Therefore, if possible, we should ensure stocks for the winter, so that in winter and spring our people could get the necessary agricultural products at acceptable prices. We need stabilization funds, especially in Minsk and regional cities,” the Belarusian head of state said.