Business news

Lukashenko suggests cutting production of potash fertilizers

MINSK, 4 November (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested reducing the production of potash fertilizers as he approved the appointment of Andrei Rybakov as Belaruskali Director General on 4 November, BelTA has learned. 

“I would like to ask you to discuss (I have not set this task before) the output in depth with people concerned (especially with the Russians). We have the lowest prices for potash fertilizers on my watch, although miners’ work is not easy. Maybe we should talk to the Russians, consult and slash the production of potash fertilizers by 10%, maybe 11%. It will unlikely create a deficit on the market, but everyone will realize that this is an expensive product and you need to pay the adequate price for it,” noted Aleksandr Lukashenko.

According to the head of state, this issue was already raised, although a long time ago. “We need to talk to potash fertilizer producers about reducing the output. Why sell this product for a song, almost at the prime cost, or even lower at times? Talk to them, then report back, and we will make a decision on this matter. But I tend to think that we need to cut production by 10% (maybe more). The main thing is to make sure that this will not affect people, that wages will be paid on time, and so on. Come to grips with this,” the president instructed the new head of Belaruskali.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, there is a probability that potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers will soon be sold on the domestic market at the prime cost. “It’s true, mineral fertilizers are under sanctions. So let's export more food products grown on these fertilizers,” the head of state suggested.

In other words, the authorities want to ramp up food production, and, as is known, Belarusian food products are in high demand abroad. “The neighboring country and China are ready to consume them today, and other countries too. Let's finally apply a sufficient amount of mineral fertilizers in order to get a larger harvest and consequently, increase livestock production, i.e. produce more milk and meat and sell them,” the president remarked.

The government was instructed to study these issues.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks