Business news

MINSK DISTRICT, 3 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian farming enterprise Zhdanovichy presented newly harvested watermelons during the 3^rd Eurasian forum of vegetable farmers, BelTA learned from Professor Alexander Autko, Doctor of Agricultural Science, Head of the Greenhouse Vegetable Farming Lab of the Agriculture Mechanization and Electrification Institute of the Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University.

Zhdanovichy Company has been growing watermelons for several years already, with about two tonnes harvested in 2014. This year the company has experimented with growing ten new varieties of Russian-bred watermelons.

Zhdanovichy Director General Grigory Chuiko noted: “Certainly, watermelon production has not reached the industrial scale yet but the first results are satisfying and once again prove that it is possible to grow vine crops in Belarus despite the country’s climate peculiarities.”

According to Alexander Autko, close attention is paid in Belarus to the promotion of vine crops following instructions of the head of state. Large-scale tests have been carried out at premises of the farming enterprise Zhdanovichy in Minsk District and the farming enterprises Chernyany and Novoselki in Brest Oblast this year. Russian-bred seeds and Belarusian agrarian technologies were used. “I can definitely say the experiment was a success. In particular, today guests of the Eurasian forum of vegetable farmers can sample products made by Zhdanovichy,” noted the scientist.

The production of watermelons and muskmelons gradually gains pace in Belarus primarily in the country’s south and the central regions.

The 3^rd Eurasian forum of vegetable farmers is scheduled to take place at premises of the agricultural enterprise Zhdanovichy on 2-3 September. The event gathered about 150 participants, including representatives of research centers from Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Products made by about 90 farming enterprises are on display. Forum participants are expected to share the best practices in breeding and cultivating fruits and vegetables. Problems of improving the quality of merchandise and encouraging consumers to eat healthy food are discussed as well. Apart from that, the guests will go on a tour of Zhdanovichy’s vegetable fields where they will be able to sample new varieties and hybrids of vegetables and vine crops bred in Belarus and Russia.