Belarus plans to ramp up milk production to 10.5m tonnes by 2030

MINSK, 26 February (BelTA) - Belarus plans to ramp up milk production to 10.5 million tonnes by 2030, said Natalya Sonich, head of the Directorate for Livestock and Fisheries at the Agriculture and Food Ministry, said at the 5th international industry forum Dairy Farm at the Minsk International Exhibition Center, BelTA has learned.

This represents an increase of 14% over 2025. “Last year, the country produced nearly 9.2 million tonnes of milk. The target for 2030 is 10.5 million tonnes from all categories of farms, and by 2035, 11.5 million tonnes of milk," Natalya Sonich stated, adding that these figures are expected to be achieved primarily through increased efficiency, better feed base, personnel, and advanced technologies and selection. 

The head of state has set the task of transferring the entire dairy herd to modern keeping conditions. As of 1 January, the country had 1,703 modern dairy complexes, which account for over 80% of milk output and more than 77% of the dairy herd. New facilities will be built and existing ones reconstructed, around 80 this year alone. A corresponding list for next year is being put together. The emphasis is on process automation.

In addition to dairy complexes, the plans include the construction of 520 calf nurseries. By the beginning of the winter period, all young cattle must be moved to such facilities, where the animals will be properly cared for and fed. These facilities will be equipped with milk kitchens and automatic washing systems.
“The regions have assumed increased commitments and will build nurseries for 96,700 cattle head. The lists have been compiled, and the issues of financing, support in design and construction are being considered,” Natalya Sonich said.

The 5th international industry forum Dairy Farm opened on 25 February and will running for two days. The theme is "The Economics of milk: Taking a long position”. More than 750 delegates from all regions of Belarus and over 40 authoritative experts are taking part in the event. The focus is on such current topics as effective dairy farm management, digitalization, livestock health and safety, reproduction, and forage production.