Business news

DZERZHINSK DISTRICT, 30 March (BelTA) – During his working trip to Dzerzhinsk District, Minsk Oblast on 30 March Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko was made familiar with the local technology used to produce black caviar and sturgeon meat, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian head of state visited the aquaculture farm Admiral Husso run by DG Tsentr Company where he was told about the fulfillment of instructions to start producing valuable fish species in Belarus.

An enterprise to grow fish of the sturgeon variety using a closed-circuit water supply system was opened in the town of Fanipol, Dzerzhinsk District, Minsk Oblast in early 2016. The enterprise is supposed to produce organic black caviar by slaughtering the fish. No additional treatment is applied. Salt is used in minimal amounts. The enterprise also makes other products out of sturgeon meat.

The enterprise exported its products to Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Mauritius Island, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Latvia, Italy, and Germany in 2017.

The Belarus president was informed in detail about the technology of growing the fish and extracting the caviar, about the enterprise’s operation and plans to step it up. Alexander Lukashenko also personally sampled some products and appreciated their quality.

After the head of state’s tour of the aquaculture farm Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Rusy told BelTA that instructions had been given to continue developing aquaculture farming in the country. The official reminded that Alexander Lukashenko had given instructions to start producing valuable fish species several years before. “We have already established eight enterprises, including four in Mogilev Oblast,” said the deputy prime minister.

During the tour of the enterprise the discussion touched upon stepping up the operation and expanding the choice of products. In particular, it is possible to set up several similar enterprises, including enterprises to produce red caviar.

Mikhail Rusy said: “Belarus produces a total of 600 tonnes of red caviar. We have to raise the figure to 2-3 tonnes within the next few years. That amount will satisfy the domestic demand and secure an increase in export.”

The central government and municipal government agencies have been therefore instructed to select water ponds and vacant premises for the consequent development of the fish farming industry. “We will prepare a small program within 2-3 months,” added Mikhail Rusy.

Renting water reservoirs for fish farming and fishing was discussed during Alexander Lukashenko’s tour of the enterprise among other things. The head of state made it clear that water pond renting must not create problems for the local residents, who are accustomed to recreation and swimming in those ponds.