Events

Lukashenko wants Shklov District to serve as model for entire Belarus

MINSK, 8 July (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko outlined his goal to make Shklov District a model for the whole nation during a meeting to review personnel appointments on 8 July, BelTA has learned.

“Knowing Shklov District well, I want to create a model district that can be replicated across the entire country. This is very important,” the head of state emphasized.

Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that all key institutions necessary for local agricultural development have been restored in the district, including the district agro-service, the agrochemical service, mobile construction units, and the flax seed production station. “We need all of this. All of this has been restored. Across the country, it has been rehabilitated and restored to varying degrees,” the head of state said. “Drawing our past experience, we have recreated all of this at a high level in Shklov. Therefore, Shklov District must be a prime example in this regard. That is what I would like to see.”

As for the district agro-service in Shklov, it is closer to the model suitable for replication across the country’s districts than, for example, a similar organization in Mozyr District, Mozyrtekhservice, which hosted a seminar-meeting with the participation of the head of state in April 2026. “This enterprise [operates at a higher level] that already both services and produces many models of agricultural and other machinery. Meanwhile, the Shklov district agro-service is exactly what exists in every district,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

In addition, the active participation of leading domestic manufacturers is expected in the work of district agro-service centers. “These are service centers for our enterprises. Representatives of MTZ, MAZ, the motor plant – all the plants that exist in our country – must also roll up their sleeves alongside these 118 districts, push forward, and work,” the president noted.

The importance of such organizations for the successful development of every district can hardly be overstated, the head of state believes. “You understand well what an agro-service means in such districts. Without it, no development of a district is possible,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said, addressing the appointed officials. “I generally cannot imagine the work of a district executive committee chairman when he has no feed mill, no agricultural service enterprise, no agrochemical service, or some kind of construction sector... What kind of a district executive committee chairman is he when he lacks these tools?”

In this regard, Shklov District is nearing what can be called a model. In addition to the updated district agro-service and feed mill, a modern milk processing plant with a capacity of 300 tonnes per day will soon appear there, with construction scheduled for completion in November 2026. To equip this enterprise at an advanced level, other established agribusiness players with a strong command of these technologies were also involved. Supply zones have already been identified for the new dairy plant. If necessary, the state is ready to expand them by including agricultural enterprises from Orsha District. “But they say there is enough [for now within the allocated supply zones]. We need to produce more, especially on the Shklov lands. Krugloye and Belynichi are nearby, as well as other districts: Mogilev, Mstislavl, Gorki. Involve them. But make sure this enterprise operates at full capacity,” the president said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also recalled the meeting on the development of Mogilev Oblast held the day before, and the decision made following its results to transfer shares of the agricultural holding company of the Belarus President Property Management Directorate in Shklov District from state ownership to municipal ownership. “We are transferring all enterprises to you: the feed mill, the agrochemical service, agricultural machinery center, mobile construction units – absolutely everything is there for you to work,” the president pointed out. “Everything has been created in Shklov District for effective work.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that the new head of the district will be held accountable for results. Meanwhile, the president will continue to pay particular attention to these territories: “Nothing will fall by the wayside there. As long as I am in office, I will keep focusing on this.”

“I go there often, and I used to work there, so I know every square meter. It will not be easy [to lead a district that is constantly in the spotlight of the head of state]. It will be very difficult, Mikhail,” the president warned. “I am very grateful to you for taking the risk to go there.”

At the same time, Mikhail Kritsky was pointed to certain shortcomings during his past career in various agricultural positions in Shklov District. He was instructed to address them in cooperation with Dmitry Krutoi, Head of the President Administration and authorized representative of the president in Mogilev Oblast, and Nadezhda Kotkovets, the new Aide to the president – Inspector for Mogilev Oblast, who, by the way, also used to work in Shklov District and knows it very well.

“You and Nadezhda will sort it out there, whether it was bad or good [your performance in the past], so that she can point out all your past missteps to you,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Therefore, go to Shklov and fix them. You have one supervisor to help you, and a second one who won’t let you slack off. And you must bear in mind: you will have to answer for all of this.”

Talking to journalists, Mikhail Kritsky assured that the tasks set by the president regarding Shklov District would be fulfilled. “The emphasis will be placed primarily on compliance with technologies and discipline, as well as on the human resource potential of the district, because personnel are the key to everything. The tasks will be accomplished,” he emphasized.

When asked about his key qualities as a leader, Mikhail Kritsky named an honest approach to dealing with people and a dedicated attitude toward work. “I will place the same requirement before my people,” he added.

Previously, Mikhail Kritsky headed Bobruisk District, but the Shklov land is no stranger to him either. “I worked there for a significant period of time, so I know the district well,” he noted.