MINSK, 16 December (BelTA) - Representatives from the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee and the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee discussed the implementation of precision farming technology at the regional level in a new episode of BelTA's Nation Speaks project.
Sergei Sonchik, First Deputy Chairman of the Agriculture and Food Committee of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee, stated that Grodno Oblast holds one of the leading positions in crop production, ranking second in yield and volume after Minsk Oblast, which significantly exceeds it in territory. “To maintain these high standards, innovations, adjustments, and new technologies are introduced annually, including the expansion of the green economy and precision farming, as noted by the head of state,” he said.
A pilot project is being implemented in one farm in the region, which will fully transition to precision farming technologies by 2027. This includes creating electronic field maps, installing automatic weather stations, and using equipment for the precise application of mineral fertilizers, optimal seed placement, and plant protection products. This minimizes the overuse of fuel, seeds, and other resources.
The project was launched at the Olekshitsy agricultural company in Berestovitsa District in 2023. The first stage involved purchasing equipment, including steering correction systems and GPS navigators. This year, the digitization of all fields was completed. The next steps are to develop electronic crop rotation field maps and integrate them with the 1C accounting software. This will allow managers to monitor processes online, identify shortcomings, and promptly adjust operations. “By 2027, the project will be ready to demonstrate its results, confirming that digitalization and precision farming are the future of agriculture,” Sergei Sonchik emphasized.
Inna Bogdanova, Head of the Land Cultivation, Crop Production, and Fodder Production Department of the Agriculture and Food Committee of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, added that a precision farming project is also being implemented at one farm in Vitebsk Oblast – the Dolzha Agro agricultural company in Liozno District. The project started in 2023, like in Grodno Oblast, and involved field digitization and the purchase of necessary equipment. “This truly is the future of the industry, although implementation requires competent specialists capable of working effectively with the new technologies,” she believes.
Increasing yield and product quality is achieved primarily through strict adherence to all technological processes of crop cultivation. This includes optimizing costs, proper accumulation of fertilizers and plant protection products, and all measures contributing to a good harvest. All regions are striving for such approaches to strengthen food security.
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