Working trip to Smolevichi District, Minsk Oblast

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Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko suggests focusing on the development of several promising villages, in addition to agro-towns, and building affordable housing for rural residents there. The issue was discussed during the head of state’s visit to Ozeritsky-Agro Company on 14 April.

During the working trip to Smolevichi District the President paid special attention to the development of rural areas. “We need promising agro-towns and villages where people will choose to live. Every district should have such a roadmap of development,” the head of state said.

In his opinion, it can be the former centers of integrated cooperatives. The necessary infrastructure is already in place. Idle land plots can be used to build houses. “We should provide rural dwellers with cheap housing. Thus, we will be able to develop such villages and attract people there,” the President said. The head of state reminded that the village is the vital force in Slavonic countries. “If we lose the village, we will lose the country,” the President emphasized.

Aleksandr Lukashenko was made familiar with the organization of potato planting and the sowing of fodder crops at Ozeritsky-Agro Company.
 
The head of state was informed about the progress of the spring sowing campaign, which is in full swing. So far 82% of the early spring crops have been sown. Belarus has started sowing all the crops, including potato, flax, sugar beet, and corn. Winter crops have survived the winter in a satisfactory manner. Thanks to the availability of all the resources and the observance of technologies this year Belarus is expected to get harvest as good as last year’s.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also visited Zadomlya dairy farm of Ozeritsky-Agro Company. He was made familiar with modern technologies and processes of milk production. The President was informed about the construction and technical retooling of the dairy farm, the operation of the animal husbandry industry of Belarus, Minsk Oblast and Smolevichi District.

The head of state was informed about the fulfillment of his instructions to build modern dairy farms. As of 1 March as many as 1,029 dairy farms were commissioned all over the country.

Another issue on the agenda was the development of rural and ecological tourism.

Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Sosnovaya recuperation center of Ozeritsky-Agro Company. He was satisfied with the organization of recreation there. “This is an example of economic management for everyone,” the head of state said.

The construction of the Sosnovaya recuperation center of Ozeritsky-Agro Company was financed by OAO Belagroprombank which provides support in the development of rural tourism. Within eight years Belagroprombank’s loans have been provided to 516 owners of rural estates in Belarus. In 2014 preferential loans for the development of rural tourism to the tune of almost Br13 billion were given to 61 facilities. Chairman of the Board of OAO Belagroprombank Anatoly Lysyuk informed the President about the bank’s resolution to provide more loans to the rural tourism companies in case their previous projects were a success. The bank also decided to expand the range of services and improve their quality. The bank will support areas connected with Belarusian culture, traditions, rites, cuisine, help develop the so-called green estates which promote a healthy lifestyle, production of natural foodstuffs.

The President also suggested developing the Belarusian cuisine chain in the country. “First, the prime cost of dishes would not be too high. The prices would be affordable. Besides, this would be a good chain of restaurants,” the head of state remarked.