MINSK, 16 April (BelTA) – It is time the agricultural sector starts moving to new technological level, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss rural development and efficiency of the agricultural sector, BelTA has learned.
"It is high time the agricultural sector moved to a new technological level, introduced precision farming technologies and create a favorable environment for any crops. This means lower material costs, higher yields and quality of products," Aleksandr Lukashenko noted. "We have the key elements for creating such a system today, and this will be our strategy for the future."
He noted that the global agricultural leaders are investing heavily in smart equipment. Digitalization in their agricultural sectors reaches 80%.
"Smart agriculture, today and in the future, is an important priority in the fight against competitors. We need a program, including in terms of personnel training. There is no need to drag everyone into it. Maybe it makes sense to start with those who are willing and have the opportunity. But it is important we start today. We must make a revolution in agricultural engineering and agriculture," the head of state said. "But please remember: before we start a revolution, we need to improve the quality of farm machines that work in the fields."
At the same time, with proper discipline, the use of highly productive varieties of plants and animal breeds and available technologies, we can improve the efficient 1.5 or 2 times, the president is convinced.
