MINSK, 17 February (BelTA) – Belarus' milk output increased by 11% over the past five years, Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Igor Brylo said at the international forum “Agriculture of Belarus. Dairy Farming”, BelTA has learned.
Igor Brylo noted that dairy farming is one of the most efficient branches of the agricultural industry.
"Return on milk sales stood at 21.2% in 2021. Milk production in the public sector increased by 11% over the past five years, with production growing annually. The positive dynamics of milk production remained in place in 2021, with the number of dairy cows reducing slightly. The output totaled 7,587,900 tonnes of milk, which was up by 1.1% over 2020," he said.
The minister noted a significant improvement in the quality of raw milk sold to milk processing enterprises. "In 2021, extra-grade milk accounted for 62.2% of total output, which was up by 2.7% over 2020 and up by 7.9% over 2017. The high quality of raw milk enables the processing industry to manufacture dairy products that are competitive in the domestic and foreign markets," he added.
A total of 472 dairy farms were built and renovated in 2016-2020 within the framework of the state program for agricultural business in Belarus. In 2021, 59 dairy farms were built and renovated as part of the Agrarian Business program for 2021-2025.
“Today, there are 1,576 high-tech farms equipped with milking parlors and robots, or 44.5% of the total number of farms in Belarus. These farms account for 68% of the country's total milk output. The milking herd productivity exceeds the national average by 561kg. In 2021, the average productivity of milking herds exceeded 9,000kg of milk at 138 dairy farms, and 10,000kg of milk at 61 farms,” Igor Brylo said.
Last year, the average milk yield per cow in the agricultural organizations of the country was 5,412kg. The average milk yield per cow exceeded 6,000kg in Brest, Grodno and Minsk regions.
Milking herd productivity was 9,130 kg in Grodno District, and more than 8,000kg in Nesvizh, Dzerzhinsk, Smolevichi, Berestovitsa and Ivanovo districts. The mark of 6,000kg of milk was exceeded in 35 districts of the country.
“I expect very productive work from today's event. We have something to be proud of, to showcase and to strive for,” the minister stressed.
Minsk is hosting the international forum “Agriculture of Belarus. Dairy Farming” on 17 February. The event highlights milk production technologies. The event has brought together experts in zootechnics, fodder production, veterinary medicine, pedigree business, and also representatives of regional agriculture and food authorities, dairy plants, and farms.
The best farms will be honored in a ceremony during the forum.
