MINSK, 16 April (BelTA) – It is impossible to solve labor shortage without creating proper conditions in rural communities, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss rural development and efficiency of the agricultural sector, BelTA has learned.
"Labor shortage is, perhaps, the backbone problem of the agricultural industry. The shortage of managers and specialists in blue-collar professions is about 10%, veterinarians and livestock experts - 15%. We are doing a lot to attract young people to the agricultural industry. Universities and colleges allocate quotas and train specialists of all kinds. They are provided with preferential loans and additional bonuses, affordable housing," the head of state said.
Farms are struggling to retain young specialists in the workplace, the president said. This is despite the fact that their first-job assignment requirement is strict. They must work in their first job at least five years. "So, the problem is about working conditions, low quality of rural living standards, self-realization, earnings," the president noted. “It's all understandable. But your education has been sponsored by an employers. You knew this you before you signed up for this. You must comply with the requirements."
"It is impossible to solve the problem of personnel shortage without creating proper conditions in rural communities. Medical care, transport, trade, consumer services. Stable access to the internet and some other things for young people," the Belarusian leader stressed.
He noted that there are well-performing farms in the country that are an example to follow. They are growing themselves and so are rural communities thanks to them ("villages of the future"). "Draw on their experience, don't wait for new five-year plans!" the president said.
According to him, another factor contributing to the labor shortage was the decision to credit the army service as the required work period on post-graduate job. "We will revisit this issue as well," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He stressed that in addition to administrative measures, every farm should build its own system for retaining personnel: "Think about how to attract and retain young people by providing housing, excellent working conditions, cultural opportunities, healthcare. If we do not solve the problem of personnel shortage in agriculture, there will be no economy."
