Working trip to Shklov District, Mogilev Oblast

District agro-service centers must become key hubs for domestic machinery manufacturers, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during his working trip to Shklov on 13 July.

“The most important thing, which concerns the country as a whole, is that these should be support hubs for our plants,” the President said. “We will have 115–120 of these hubs, where services will be provided by the manufacturing plants themselves.”

The head of state noted that the system should mirror domestic machinery servicing at multi-brand centers abroad.

“The plants must understand that this is their responsibility too. You sold the machinery here, so you must service it here,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. “We need to ensure that they [district agro-service centers] are not sidelined by our plants – MTZ, MAZ, and others. They must be treated like their own. First of all, they should receive spare parts and everything else. Make sure to provide proper maintenance, let alone the warranty.”

The head of state was informed that 31 district agro-service centers across the country already operate under this model. They include the enterprise in Shklov.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that district agro-service centers like the renovated one in Shklov must equally service other equipment, not just machinery from domestic manufacturers. Accordingly, they need to maintain a supply of necessary spare parts, a well-established workflow, and, importantly, affordable prices for services.

“Prices must be monitored by the governor, or at least the district executive committee chairman. Prices must remain profitable, with control over expenses and service prime costs,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state noted a dramatic transformation at the agro-service site one year after renovations started.

Aleksandr Lukashenko explained once again why this and other projects are being implemented specifically in Shklov District: “It is not because I worked here and it is my homeland. It is simply because I know everything here inside out. That is why we are creating such a model district here in Shklov and partly in Orsha.”

“We need the Shklov district to be such a role model, so we do not have to teach everyone individually. Just bring them here, tell them to see how it should be done, and do it,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

Regarding the district agro-service center, the President pointed out that previously it was average or even slightly below average compared to other similar organizations.

“We need to create a model, standard district agro-service here in Shklov to show everyone how it should be done. Many of these hubs have already emerged across the country. Some are even better,” the head of state said. “The major work is complete, with only finishing touches left. We need to put it all in order. Order and discipline must be flawless. This is a model.”

It is planned that a seminar will be held this autumn at this model district agro-service center in Shklov, with district executive committee chairs invited to attend.

The project was handled by the Belarus President Property Management Directorate. “Well done! You did a great job. But it is ‘scary’ for those who will replicate this in the districts. Because it might be intimidating – it is done so well here. But let them step up to the plate and do it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, addressing Yuri Nazarov, Head of the President Property Management Directorate.

Yuri Nazarov explained that during the design and construction, the building was designed around the established technology. Therefore, everything was done with no frills, but it is highly functional.

The head of state praised the completed renovation and visited the repair workshop. “For us, it will be a miracle if we build such repair workshops [in other districts],” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

The President stressed that now, this gift to the district needs to be replicated nationwide.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also asked Yuri Nazarov whether the project was too expensive, noting that every penny counts. 

“Half-measures will never yield results,” the head of the President Property Management Directorate replied.

The President was informed that in terms of cost, the district agro-service center was equivalent to building one dairy farm complex.

The head of state pointed out that such repair organizations, along with mobile construction units and other facilities, are essential for district leaders to be able to organize operations effectively. “Here, at the very bottom of this power vertical, the district executive committee chairman must have levers of control. This is one of the levers for managing the district. Everything here must be under control,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “The market is one thing, but we still need to regulate and monitor.”

Before the renovation began, the agro-service site housed nearly two dozen buildings and structures built between 1950 and 1975. A decision was made to demolish some of them and build a modern, district-level repair organization that would set benchmarks for the development of similar firms nationwide.

The renovation of the workshops, which began in April 2025, is now practically complete. The central repair workshop is designed for the overhaul of high horsepower tractors, forage harvesters, combine harvesters, and other agricultural machinery. There is also a parts exchange hub for storing components and assemblies, as well as a passenger car service station.

The completed renovation has created a modern center for servicing agricultural machinery and livestock complex equipment, including milking parlors and refrigeration units.

Even before the renovation was finished, the workshops began repairing agricultural machinery for a number of local farms in May 2026. To reduce costs, centralized procurement of spare parts is conducted directly from the manufacturers. Once the workshops pass certification, service maintenance contracts will be signed.

During a working trip to Shklov District Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled the tasks that have to be accomplished before the campaign to gather in cereals begins on a massive scale.

The head of state asked Agriculture and Food Minister Yuri Gorlov how much barley had been harvested. The minister reported that 40% had already been gathered in. He remarked that recent rains had interfered with more active harvesting efforts. The weather is more favorable for the harvesting campaign now.

The President reminded that it is important to begin the mass harvesting campaign after accomplishing two main tasks: get the machines and vehicles ready in addition to skilled drivers to operate them and make sure the grain storage facilities are in order. “Grain has to go through a dryer at least once. Or maybe two times. This is why the grain drying facilities must be available,” the Belarusian leader stressed. “Well, the harvesters, too. I think every harvester needs one operator or even two already.”

“Every harvester has dedicated operators,” Yuri Gorlov assured while talking about the availability of manpower.

“The same applies to forage harvesters and tractors. Sensible people need to operate high-horsepower vehicles. And the other kind [that is less powerful]. It is not simple. But this is the most important thing,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

Yuri Gorlov remarked that it is necessary to “tear away” grass cutting this week, too.

“Well, go ahead,” the President responded. “But there is no need to rush it. Otherwise, you will cut the fields and will break the machines. Once it gets drier, you can go ahead. If we have the weather like this for 24 hours, everything will dry up.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko set priorities regarding labor migration during a working trip to Shklov District.

The head of state recalled that this topic was discussed during the recent visit by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan to Minsk. Belarus is ready to employ citizens of that country.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that certain regions are particularly interested in this as they need to meet their staffing needs. “A decision was made to develop a system and invite people from abroad. Ukrainians have come. Many Russians are also coming to work with us. We recently held negotiations with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and I made him an offer. We have a system: the embassy makes an initial assessment of who is suitable and who is not. It is a manager (of an enterprise) must determine how many people they need and which specialties. They choose for themselves,” he said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that people from Uzbekistan are eager to come to work in Belarus. “A group of around 200 people will arrive here soon. For now, it is Vitebsk Oblast, because there is a real shortage of workforce there. We need to assess the needs of the southeast part of Mogilev Oblast: how many workers they need and what specialties,” the President said. “We shouldn’t cluster them all in one place. They should be spread out. We need working hands everywhere.”

The Belarusian side is also prepared to consider options for additional training and education for such personnel once they are already in Belarus. Qualified specialists, of course, would be especially welcome. “Preferably with families. A family person works well for us. People will be needed. And we really need them,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

However, the labor migration process must be regulated, including through the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. “There must be a system. We have one. It has been defined by me. It is a manager of an enterprise that can hire them. They bear responsibility for them,” the head of state said. "The process must be regulated. It must not be done haphazardly.”

“Therefore, selectively and purposefully. One, two, ten, twenty people. As many as an enterprise needs. Personal responsibility. The aides will keep this under control,” the Belarusian leader added. “It would be great if everything were done by our own people, Belarusians. But we sometimes don’t have enough working hands, and sometimes our people just don’t want to work. We cannot do without hiring labor from outside.”

As for Uzbekistan, Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that the discussion is not only about attracting labor migrants to Belarus’ agricultural sector. The proposal put forward during the negotiations envisions broad cooperation in food production, including investment, with subsequent export to Uzbekistan. For instance, based in Vitebsk Oblast. “Come, cultivate the land, pay taxes (everything as it should be) and we will sell that produce to Uzbekistan. A stable, rapidly growing market of 40 million people. We are ready to take people from there,” the head of state explained. “I said to them: please invest in Vitebsk Oblast. We are looking for an investor.”

In this regard, Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi noted that the President of Uzbekistan will also keep the matter under his control: “After the meeting with you Shavkat Mirziyoyev gave instructions and will oversee the process. Only specialists will be sent.”

Dmitry Krutoi also provided data indicating that currently 7,000 citizens of Uzbekistan are registered in Belarus, some of whom are already employed in the economy. However, a large number are also students studying at various universities. It is quite possible that many of them will ultimately stay to work in Belarus.

The President emphasized that Belarus already has positive experience in attracting labor migrants who work honestly. He also highlighted the importance of creating proper living conditions for such people, providing housing and granting equal rights alongside Belarusian citizens. “Just come and work,” he said.

Summing up on the topic of attracting labor migrants, Aleksandr Lukashenko stated the following: “There is no need to be afraid of this. But they [the opponents] will always use this topic to stir things up.’