GRODNO, 8 April (BelTA) – This year's harvest projections in Grodno Oblast indicate it will be able to satisfy the region's demand in addition to allowing exports, BelTA learned from Chairman of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee Vladimir Karanik.
The governor said that for Grodno Oblast agriculture represents not only a contribution to the country's food security but good revenues from export. “If we talk about milk processing, only 30% of the output is sold domestically while 70% is exported. More than 50% of the output of local meat-packing plants is exported, too. Today we have to preserve this dynamics in addition to expanding the geography of shipments,” Vladimir Karanik noted.
The official stressed that food is becoming an increasingly more valuable product in the world. “We see food prices soar in neighboring countries. We see projections saying many countries will face food shortage due to various reasons. This is why all the Grodno Oblast agricultural workers are intent on doing their jobs as effectively as possible while sticking to proper procedures in order to get a decent harvest this year,” Vladimir Karanik added.
Grodno Oblast has sown early spring crops on more than 75% of the targeted area. Efforts of the local farmers are limited by weather only. Northern parts of Grodno Oblast are lagging behind as far as the sowing campaign is concerned. Winter crops are in good condition and the loss percentage is small in comparison with last year. The additional fertilizing of winter crops is virtually finished.
