MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) - Belarus has been experiencing a grain surplus for two years now, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko told Belarus 1, BelTA has learned.
“Objectively, this year we saw not only a hot but also a rainy summer, as well as spring frosts. This combination defined our season for the agricultural crops we grow in the country. It has been a bountiful year. I want to say that we will have about 10 million tonnes of grain and 1 million tonnes of rapeseed. In fact, we have had a grain surplus for two years now. Previously, we needed to turn to the Russian Federation to purchase harvests, but today, objectively, many farms in our country are offering their grain for sale. The grain is storing well. We are maintaining the balance and conducting exchanges under state programs,” said Yuri Shuleiko.
According to him, the planting of vegetables was increased this year. “The result is evident. There is plenty of potatoes in the country. The vegetable harvest is 85,000 tonnes larger. A clear decision has been made, supported by the head of state. We have converted stabilization funds into a state order, thereby defining the obligations of all parties: who stores, who puts the produce on the shelf, and what the prices will be later during the off-season,” the deputy prime minister said.
He also stated that 14,000 tonnes of cucumbers were produced, meeting 172% of domestic demand. The strategy for tomato production continues; output needs to be increased from 6,500 tonnes to 20,000 tonnes, but such results are planned for the end of 2027 – beginning of 2028.
Yuri Shuleiko noted that work is also underway to reduce the decline in technological discipline in animal husbandry, but this is a process that does not happen overnight, as the condition of the livestock, the preparation of fodder, and the entire veterinary service system are all important. For example, efforts are currently being made to strengthen regional veterinary stations. Veterinary doctors are being additionally recruited and financially incentivized.
“There is enough grain in the country to balance animal feed rations to achieve the corresponding weight gains or the necessary amount of milk and maintain animal health. We need to construct around 350 dairy farms by 2030, and that is precisely the work we are engaged in now,” the deputy prime minister said.
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