Opinions & Interviews

At the beginning of the session the head of state stressed that it is essential to do more than just to develop agricultural production and beautify territories in certain populated areas of Orsha District and Shklov District.

“Some time ago we started the modernization of our agricultural industry and made certain progress. In fact, we started from nothing. Besides, we had to rebuild what we had. We have acquired certain experience in agricultural production development and rural development in general,” the head of state remarked. “Our achievements helped us preserve rural areas. If we had not done it, there would have been virtually no people in villages. We preserved rural areas. We did our best to preserve villages. Having done a lot in agrotowns, we transformed villages.”

“We must look forward – this is the main objective. We must be concerned about the future of the rural sector, and step up efforts today,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The President remarked that people, places where they live, and production facilities are important for the development of the rural sector.

In particular, the participants of the session discussed the proposals to upgrade production facilities in a number of agrotowns in Shklov District. For example, it is possible to create a comprehensive integrated structure at the premises of Amkodor-Shklov, Novoye Yubileynoye, and Bolshiye Slaveni.

“The main objective is to focus on weaker agricultural enterprises. If we used the best enterprises as an example for building the future, we would be criticized by those operating weaker farms. In this case, we paid attention to Shklov District,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that certain financing is needed to achieve the goal. “I do not exclude the possibly to attract an investor. It can be a private or state-run investor, but the plan must be fulfilled. It is needed to set up the holding company of the future in the agricultural sector,” the President said.

“Production and people are the priority, but it is also important to focus on the processing of products. As soon as we arrange the whole production cycle in one area, we will get profit. We can do it,” the Belarusian leader added.

The head of state said that certain elements can be used taking into account the experience of previous work. It is important to use all these factors to advance agricultural production to a higher level and improve living standards in rural areas. It is also needed to do the same in other regions of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko said.

In this context, the President stressed that it is important not to stand still. “We often rub hands are boast that we managed to ensure food security and will raise the agricultural export to $5-7 billion very soon, will bring foreign currency to the country. We must step forward, promote initiatives and private capital investments,” the head of state noted.

“But remember that there should be no artificial mergers and dissociations. A well-developed plan is needed to achieve the goal,” the President concluded.

The session also focused on the development of the town of Kopys, Orsha District, its social infrastructure, production facilities, housing construction, renovation of the Petrovsky bulwark and the road network, and other issues.