MINSK, 11 March (BelTA) - Belarus is planning to increase the areas planted to certain agricultural crops this year, Nikolai Leshyk, Head of the Crop Production Directorate at the Agriculture and Food Ministry, said at a press conference to discuss the spring field works, BelTA has learned.
Nikolai Leshyk stated that farmers are gearing up to conduct the planting campaign efficiently and within a tight timeframe to secure this year’s harvest. The autumn planting campaign saw approximately 1.5 million hectares planted to winter grain crops and over 440,000 hectares to cruciferous crops, the same as in previous years.
“These numbers stay pretty much the same every year,” Nikolai Leshyk explained.
Fluctuations of up to 5% can occur depending on the weather. Last year, for example, farmers planted 30,000 fewer hectares of winter grain crops because of a wetter-than-usual autumn. As a result, the area planted to spring crops will be increased. The focus is also shifting toward corn production, with cuts planned in the areas planted to barley and oats.
"This is connected both with the government’s instructions and with the conclusions drawn by agricultural producers, as well as the needs for grain," explained Nikolai Leshyk.
As for other crops, the areas designated for planting sugar beets and flax “remain a constant”. The goal for potatoes is set at 1 million tonnes, meaning farmers will need to boost output by roughly 200,000 tonnes. To achieve this, potato planting areas will increase by nearly 15% compared to last year.
“Seeds for grain crops are fully stocked, including an insurance reserve. Preparations are now wrapping up for domestically produced flax and perennial grass seeds. We are also procuring necessary imported seeds, particularly alfalfa.
Fertilizer stockpiling is being closely tracked and remains on schedule. “Based on current shipments, we anticipate having at least as much fertilizer available for spring planting as we did in 2025,” Nikolai Leshyk reported.
Seed dressing is a key priority right now. This will be followed by protecting the crops from weeds, and later from pests and diseases.
Nikolai Leshyk noted that Grodno Oblast and Brest Oblast are already busy applying nitrogen fertilizers to winter grains and spreading mineral fertilizers on grass plantings.
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