Working visit to Smolevichi District, Minsk Oblast

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Smolevichi District to monitor the progress of the harvest campaign.

During his visit to Ozeritsky-Agro the head of state emphasized the need to produce various agricultural machinery.

It has been noted that yields vary across regions and farms. Ozeritsky-Agro serves as a showcase example for others, with yields reaching an impressive 52 centners per hectare. “It is truly a pleasure to see these fields – everything is meticulously cultivated, simply beautiful! They have even made a pond,” the head of state remarked approvingly. “If all our fields were maintained to this standard, we could achieve yields of at least 45 centners per hectare, even if not hitting the 50 [centners per hectare] mark.”

The outstanding results stem from a combination of crucial factors: the use of hybrid varieties (both imported and domestic, though the local varieties still need quality improvements), adherence to proper cultivation and harvesting techniques, timely and adequate fertilizer application and the employment of high-quality harvesting equipment.

The discussion then turned to the specific issue of harvesting equipment, with the President inquiring about the current localization rate in domestic baler production. It was reported that while approximately 35-40% of components are now locally sourced, the key mechanisms still rely on foreign manufacturing.

Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled assigning these tasks when appointing Viktor Karankevich as Deputy Prime Minister overseeing the industrial sector. Specifically, the President highlighted the importance of manufacturing automatic balers and robotic milking systems that should exceed international standards.

“We must manufacture our own,” the head of state emphasized. He noted that a similar situation existed years ago in Belarus' machinery manufacturing sector, when localization rates were low and most components had to be imported, until the President issued a firm directive to pursue import substitution and develop domestic production. As a result, Belarus now manufactures its own vehicles. “The same applies here. Five to ten years ago you were importing components, but now we are seeing localization and replacement of foreign parts with Belarusian-made ones. Get it done!” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

The use of balers helps optimize harvesting and forage preparation processes. Belarus’ climatic conditions make it particularly challenging to produce and preserve high-quality hay for livestock feed, as excessive moisture levels frequently compromise the end product. While this forage harvesting method shouldn't be abandoned completely, a viable alternative is plastic-wrapped conservation. “This is exactly why we need our own baler – it's essential. We have already secured a combine harvester that appears competitive with foreign models,” the President remarked, stressing that similar efforts should focus on developing a domestic baler.

The same approach applies to manufacturing milking robots. Advancing mechanization in agriculture and other sectors remains imperative – not only to boost efficiency but also to maintain quality standards amid shrinking labor resources.

The discussion on import substitution touched upon another critical aspect – the production of plastic film used in baler-based forage harvesting and subsequent preservation. This material accounts for a significant portion of total costs (up to 60%), making this preservation method considerably more expensive than traditional trench silage techniques. However, plastic-wrapped bales offer substantially better forage preservation and quality, which translates into higher dairy cow productivity and improved livestock health. “When considering the big picture, this [plastic-wrap method] is undoubtedly beneficial,” Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded.

For instance, farms in Minsk Oblast currently use film from five manufacturers, two Belarusian and three Chinese, with comparable characteristics and pricing. However, the President tasked the industry with reducing domestic film production costs to decrease its share in total preservation expenses from the current 60% to about 30-35%. “We must continue this [method] despite costs, because it protects our calves, cows and ultimately delivers results," the President said.

The focus of the President’s visit was winter rapeseed. The cultivation of winter rapeseed in Belarus has become an established and profitable agricultural practice. This crop yields highly valuable oil (with Belarus currently ranking 5th or 6th globally in production) and provides essential protein for livestock feed. Moreover, rapeseed cultivation significantly improves field conditions for subsequent grain crops, which is why it is called a “precursor crop.”

Currently, winter rapeseed occupies 370,000 hectares of farmland, with spring rapeseed covering an additional 48,000 hectares. Experts recognize it as a crop of both present and future significance for Belarus. While completely absent in the 1980s and later considered suitable for only limited soil types by international experts, winter rapeseed has dramatically expanded its cultivated area thanks to domestically developed growing technologies and strong governmental support, including personal attention from the President.

The current focus lies in refining cultivation techniques and seed varieties. During discussions, the President inquired about progress in developing domestic rapeseed hybrids. Yadviga Pilyuk, Head of the Oilseed Crops Department at the National Academy of Sciences' Agriculture Research Center, explained that Belarus maintains an 80/20 ratio between domestic and imported seeds. Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the need to increase both the share and quality of locally produced seeds. Over the past decade, Belarus has developed 30 rapeseed varieties, achieving significant market success with 110 tons sold despite fierce competition from more than 20 global seed companies.

“We absolutely must reach one million tons of rapeseed oilseeds this year,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated as the harvest target.

“We will achieve this volume in total harvest, with spring rapeseed contributing additionally,” Yadviga Pilyuk clarified. The expert noted that this year’s weather conditions have been particularly challenging for winter rapeseed. Nevertheless, projections indicate an overall rapeseed harvest of at least 1 million tonnes, though the oilseed yield will be slightly lower. Last year, oilseed production alone reached the 1-million-tonne mark.

“We need to at least maintain last year’s level,” the President said, pointing to last year's performance.

Commenting on the impact of weather conditions on the harvest, Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled his own experience in agriculture. “I remember it well... You wake up to see it's not even proper rain – just drizzle. A light shower, and we can't get into the fields before noon. And if heavy rain falls, we lose the rest of that day and the next morning too,” the head of state shared.

Nevertheless, the President emphasized that agricultural workers have delivered great results so far this season. “To be frank, our farmers have done excellent work this year. We, Slavs, are like this – when things get tougher, we buckle down and work harder,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked. “This year, they’ve outdone themselves. I can really feel it.”

The President received reports that 48% of the rapeseed fields had been harvested by morning, with expectations to reach 50% by midday. “Once we pass the halfway mark, things should get slightly easier,” the head of state noted. “But right now, it's crucial we complete the rapeseed harvest quickly to prevent any losses.”

Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko reported that consumption of this product in Belarus has increased by 20% over two years. “Well, that's good. It is a very good thing. If you want to stay healthy, you should use this oil,” Aleksandr Lukashenko advised. “This oil is very healthy. Actually, I'm a strong believer in eating what grows in your own land.”

The President was shown a range of rapeseed oils produced in Belarus. In a notable gesture, Aleksandr Lukashenko gave a bottle of the oil to Minsk Oblast Governor Aleksei Kushnarenko. The occasion was particularly special as Aleksei Kushnarenko turned 50 on 8 August. Upon arrival at the field, the head of state presented the governor with a gift brought from his recent trip to Valaam - an icon of St. George the Victorious.