Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko names factors determining Belarus’ food security

An archive photo

MINSK, 26 July (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko spoke about the pillars of Belarus’ food security at the meeting to discuss progress in the harvest campaign on 26 July, BelTA has learned.

The head of state outlined a number of issues that should get utmost attention from officials in charge, local authorities and company directors. These issues are personnel, order and discipline, and provision of timely assistance to agricultural workers.

“Grain harvesting is a nationwide matter. As you are saying in your report, there are plans to involve almost 3,000 machine operators, including 1,300 combine harvester operators. Those involved in the harvest campaign should be provided with everything they need, but most importantly, their work should be adequately rewarded,” Aleksandr Lukashenko demanded.

Speaking about order and discipline, the president emphasized that it is of crucial importance to protect equipment and fields from fires, ensure grain safety at warehouses. “The police must eliminate all possible opportunities to steal fuel and grain during harvesting, ensure safety during transportation. There should be no alcohol abuse, and iron discipline should be enforced,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

He also gave an instruction to provide timely assistance to people living in rural communities: “Grain crops were planted on 65,000 hectares of land in private farmsteads. And this will translate to about 200,000 tonnes of grain for the country. First of all, we need to help the elderly and people living alone who have no one else to rely on. Bread factories should purchase,
if necessary, extra grain from peasants and farmers and pay them in a timely manner.”

“The purpose of our today’s meeting is to take care of all issues that may arise. Keep in mind that the food security of Belarus depends on your managerial talent and your ability to mobilize people and strictly suppress violations,” the president stressed.

The head of state recalled that the food situation in the world is not easy, so Belarus must get ready for the worst. “The situation in the world is very serious. Uncertainty is very alarming. We do not know what may happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Therefore, we must be prepared for the worst. We will be glad if the situation improves,” he added.

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