An archive photo
MINSK, 3 February (BelTA) – The loss of cattle in the Belarusian animal husbandry industry represents a moral abnormality. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement during a government conference held to discuss a number of matters concerning the social and economic development of Vitebsk Oblast, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Why am I talking about the loss of cattle? It is a moral abnormality when we are unable to protect the animals. Particularly in this difficult weather. How can we fail to protect a kitten, a piglet, a cow calf, or a little dog?!”
The head of state recalled that even in the past without modern capabilities people would fight for the lives of the animals and save them from frosty weather. A pig tender would bring newborn piglets to her home in order to warm them up and save their lives. “They understood that they were saving not only future lives but also milk and meat. But they understood that [acting otherwise] was morally unacceptable. But what is happening in our country now?” the president wondered.
The head of state stressed that if there are no cows and no calves, there will be no meat or milk. “You have to remember what was going on in the 1990s. This is why that must not be allowed to happen,” he said.
Nevertheless, Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that the problem of the loss of cattle has not been resolved yet. And it is common not only in Vitebsk Oblast.
“It is necessary to begin with calves. We now understand that no polyethylene huts can save frozen calves that are buried under snow outdoors in Vitebsk Oblast. Particularly in these frosty weather, with temperatures at 25-30C below zero. It is deadly for the calves. Pity that the agriculture minister, who is a livestock expert, has not realized it. I keep telling him that every day,” the president said.
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