MINSK, 18 November (BelTA) – The so-called stabilization funds (agricultural products in government storage between seasons) have been virtually doubled this year, BelTA learned from Belarusian Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Vladimir Grakun at a press conference on 18 November.
The official said that this year's grain harvest totaled 9 million tonnes. The government contract on buying grains, cereals, rapeseed, and malting barley has been fulfilled. State-run agricultural enterprises gathered in virtually 1 million tonnes of potatoes, 631,000 tonnes of vegetables, and 170,000 tonnes of fruits. The volume will satisfy the Belarusian population's demand and will provide an export potential. This year the stabilization funds have been virtually doubled across the board, including the amount of potatoes, carrots, cabbages, onions, and apples that have been put into government storage.
As for grass fodder, 30 centners of forage units per head of cattle has been stored. It will provide quality feed to cattle in state-run agricultural enterprises. “Which means we will get animal husbandry products – meat and milk,” the deputy agriculture and food minister said.
Vladimir Grakun said that some preparations had been done to secure a good harvest in 2022. More winter crops have been sown, more winter tillage has been done, and more fertilizers have been stockpiled. All these factors contribute to harvest yields and will allow starting the spring sowing campaign without delays. Agricultural machines will be repaired in winter, the official said.
