Meeting to discuss Belarus’ agricultural performance

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko hosted a governmental meeting to discuss the country’s agricultural performance on 5 October.

The head of state stressed that more than a week ago he instructed the government and regional executive committees to intensify work in the agricultural sector and accelerate winter planting. “This is number one issue. The matter will bear no delay because winter crops cannot be sown late as they will simply not survive. I asked to work day and night where possible,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

According to the President, unfavorable weather conditions slowed down the harvesting process of other agricultural crops. “Ten days ago we had just half, or even less, of what needs to be done in autumn. In addition to winter sowing, we need to till and plow the soil. It is the hardest kind of work in the fields,” he said.

It is also necessary to harvest corn, first of all grain corn, the head of state stressed. This step will help the country make up for the deficit of grain. The work on harvesting spring colza continues. “It is also grain and also fodder after we get oil from it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“There is a lot of work to do. I have not yet mentioned potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, berries, and so on. That is why a so-called alarm has been raised. I would like to hear reports today on the results achieved so far,” the President said.

The preliminary results of the harvesting campaign have been reviewed. The head of state said that state procurement had been fulfilled. “What matters most today (and I would like to hear an answer on this issue) is how the cattle will be fed during the winter? Enough fodder means enough meat and milk. Poor provision of fodder means less meat and milk and the cow will be weak after winter. You know the consequences. That is why the number one issue is how the cattle will be fed,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state asked about the problems that are slowing down the work to complete winter sowing and prepare fodder, what issues remain unresolved, and what farmers need.

“We are not talking about the end of sowing today. I hope that by the end of the day you will have 90% and the winter sowing will be completed in a day or two. We have no time to drag this out. Once again I would like to warn farmers and, above all, governors: you are soon to report on livestock mortality. It is already an issue for the prosecutor general to deal with. Do not think it has been forgotten. We cannot lose tens of thousands of animals every year as it is a lot of money,” stressed Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The President also emphasized that a winter period is ahead and the necessary work cannot be put off for later.

“I ask you to maintain technological discipline. We cannot do anything without discipline. That is why I have these strict requirements,” the head of state said.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, in recent time there has been information about disruptions in the supply of sugar to retail networks. The President was surprised to hear that. “Why? The stock in storage is huge, the processing has started. And we hear about a certain collapse. Listen, another collapse will affect all levels, from retail networks to the government,” the head of state warned.

“I understand when something is bad and something is lacking. But this time they just could not deliver sugar on time to logistical issues. Where are we, in Great Britain? They don’t have enough drivers to deliver fuel to petrol stations. I am not [UK Prime Minister Boris] Johnson, I know where it is coming from. Therefore, make sure that we do not have any problems with the availability of products for the population and pricing,” Aleksandr Lukashenko demanded.