Working trip to Petrikov District, Gomel Oblast

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko continued his working trip to the Polesie region. On 3 August, the head of state will focus on the development of the agricultural sector.

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.