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Lukashenko urges to optimize number of linen mills in Vitebsk Oblast

KORELICHI DISTRICT, 20 September (BelTA) – It is essential to optimize the number of linen mills in Vitebsk Oblast with regard to the size of areas under flax, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during the visit to OAO Korelichi Len on 20 September, BelTA has learned.

The head of state was informed about the structure of the flax growing industry in Grodno Oblast, where there are 7,000 hectares under flax and two modernized linen mills. In this regard, the president asked about the situation in other regions, particularly in Vitebsk Oblast. “What for do they need eight linen mills process flax from 13,000 hectares?” Aleksandr Lukashenko wondered. He gave an instruction to look into the situation and to reduce the number of linen mills if necessary.

According to the head of state, the way the flax industry is organized in Grodno Oblast should be an example for other regions. Two plants process the harvest from 7,000 hectares. “They are fully modernized, they manage to process virtually all flax straw they get,” he said. “The system is ideal.”

However, the situation is not like that in other regions, particularly, in Vitebsk Oblast, where the harvest from 13,000 hectares is processed by eight enterprises.

The president instructed the agriculture and food minister and the government to look into the situation. The upgrade and modernization of the flax industry has been on the agenda for several years. “Guys, it won’t do,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “I know what flax is. Therefore, you should look into the situation.”

“I think four plants are enough. If there are good small enterprises apart from that, it’s okay. Do not touch them. It may also turn out that eight enterprises are necessary,” the head of state said and demanded once again to analyze the efficiency of linen mills in Vitebsk Oblast.

There are 22 linen mills and two manufacturing division for the primary processing of flax in Belarus. They have 46 technological lines, including nine highly-productive lines. Belarusian linen mills also make molded fabrics, doublings, linseed oil.

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