MINSK, 3 March (BelTA) – We need to change the system of allocating subsidies in agriculture, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he made new appointments in Minsk on 3 march, BelTA has learned.
“We need to examine every farm, to understand how much we have subsidized them lately, and then give that money to managers and let them spend it under the supervision of the chairmen of district executive committees. Perhaps we should give them these subsidies, through which we support the agriculture industry and let them figure it out,” the head of state proposed.
“The Council of Ministers is currently preparing such proposals,” Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi said.
“We need to think about it. Please, consult with local authorities. They know better and will offer the best way forward,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
The president explained that there should be no imbalances where one particular sector in agriculture production receives greater development due to subsidies. “Now they reason in this way: 'Milk is simpler, and subsidies here are profitable. Meanwhile fattening bull calves is not profitable, so it's not interesting to us,'" the head of state cited as an example.
The president noted that, in general, the agricultural sector, like any business, should earn its own way and not rely on constant assistance and support.
"We have decided on agro-towns, on the ways to develop them, to build them. We will focus on agro-towns. We will build rental housing there so that you have livestock specialists and veterinarians. We will help and support you with everything we can, but agricultural workers should not think that we will be always spoonfeeding you, as people say. That will not happen. This is entrepreneurship, business, industry. You must earn money yourselves," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
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