Business news

Securing domestic apple market: Belarus’ PM visits farm in Molodechno District

MINSK, 24 September (BelTA) – Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin visited the Spartan-Agro private farm in Molodechno District on 24 September, BelTA learned from the government’s press service.

Established in 1997, the farm is renowned for its high-tech apple orchards, with yields reaching up to 80 tonnes per hectare. The head of the farm Igor Abramchik is often called an “IT farmer” due to his innovative approach – and for good reason. The farm utilizes intensive orcharding technology and has implemented a fully automated drip irrigation and fertigation system. Another highlight is its controlled atmosphere storage facility, which extends the shelf life of the apples almost until the next harvest season.

Favorable weather conditions, especially during the blossoming period, are among the key factors in achieving a high yield. Last season’s abnormal frosts negatively impacted production volumes at Spartan-Agro.

In September 2025, during a working visit to the farm, the prime minister discussed development prospects aligned with the government’s strategy to expand the variety of domestic produce to meet internal market demands. In 2026, the farm received state support to plant 80 hectares of orchards, alongside subsidized credit facilities to build a storage unit.

On the instructions of the Belarusian president, Spartan-Agro was allocated 42.5 hectares of land near the village of Valeryanovo to plant perennial crops. This autumn, the farm plans to plant 25 hectares of orchards on the allocated land.

“The task is not only to grow the crop but also to preserve it. Large apple producers have a decent harvest this season, primarily of late-keeping varieties, which will help meet the domestic market demand during the winter period,” the press service noted.

The country’s farms are actively and effectively participating in the government’s initiative to develop fruit and berry production. Experts estimate that this expected gross harvest and quality standards of apples in 2026 are capable of meeting the needs of the Belarusian population during the winter season.

Support programs that co-finance the planting of new orchards, along with subsidized loans for building modern storage facilities, will continue.

Crop and orchard insurance is one of the most promising areas of state support for this sector, though it still requires further development. On the instructions of the prime minister, this issue will be resolved.