News & Events in Belarus

Lukashenko visits Petrikov District

PETRIKOV DISTRICT, 3 August (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko continues his working trip to the Polesie region. On 3 August, the head of state will focus on the development of the agricultural sector, BelTA has learned.

The president arrived in Petrikov District to inspect the agricultural enterprise Polesie-Agroinvest that was founded and is run by Mozyr Oil Refinery.

The first topic on the agenda was sowing. Winter rapeseed and wintercress are already being planted in the region.

“Do you think it's time to sow rapeseed in the south?” the president asked Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko. “I would advise you not to sow everything at once, but rather in 2-3 stages, and then see how things are going. We need to choose the most optimal time to sow crops in the south. I'm afraid that because of the agricultural practices and technologies used in Gomel Oblast, we will not be able to keep up with the growth [of crops]. If they overgrow in the fall, they may perish in the winter,” the president remarked.

Aleksandr Lukashenko was briefed on the progress in harvesting and other agricultural works in the region.

The president demanded efficiency and strict compliance with all technological standards in agriculture. “If you do not stick to technology, you'd better not sow anything at all. Especially in Gomel. The yield of 20 c/ha is not good,” he noted.

Rapeseed is a case in point. This is a relatively new crop for farmers; it generates good profits, but it is also labor-intensive. This crop requires up to two dozen different treatments on the field.

“If you invest a lot of effort in rapeseed, you will get a result,” noted Aleksandr Lukashenko.

In 2023, the enterprise's gross agricultural output  grew by 1.5% over 2022. At the same time, revenue from product sales rose by more than 12%. Net profit of Br8.1 million was posted.

In January - June 2024, the company's gross production was up by 9.4% year-on-year.

The enterprise includes the Turok farm that was put into operation in 2010. It has six livestock buildings for 1,469 head.

“This is perfect. Every district should have such managers who know animal breeding technology,” the head of state emphasized. “This is perfect for cattle reproduction.”

While inspecting the farm, the president familiarized himself with the technological process of raising young cattle. “This is the best option. All these cages are nonsense. Especially these polyethylene ones. I tried them on my farm: when it's hot, calves are all sweaty and wet - they will definitely get sick. We are somewhat used to the idea that animals need palace-like facilities. But they don't. The simpler, the better. Everything here was done nicely. Each complex should have a facility like this to keep three-week cattle,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said sharing his impressions of what he saw.

Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko told the head of state about plans to build and renovate a number of dairy complexes by 2031. According to him, 340 dairy farms (complexes) will be left in the region by this time. The region plans to renovate 190 facilities for raising dairy cattle, as well as to build and rebuild 86 dairy complexes. Meanwhile, 111 dairy farms will be shut down.

“I really like this complex. It operates efficiently, there's nothing I can add. Do as you see fit,” the Belarusian leader remarked.

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