Opinions & Interviews

Belarus well-prepared for spring sowing campaign

ZHITKOVICHI, 13 March (BelTA) – The entire country has never been better prepared for the spring sowing campaign than this year. Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Rumas drew attention to the fact as he took part in a session of the Zhitkovichi District Executive Committee on 13 March, BelTA has learned.

Sergei Rumas remarked that the government and the Agriculture and Food Ministry had made all the necessary decisions to make sure the necessary amount of fuel and lubricants had been bought as well as spare parts, mineral fertilizers, and crop protection agents. Decisions had also been made to prepare the vehicle and machine fleet and make sure it is used effectively.

At the same time the beginning of the year was unordinary for agricultural enterprises from the point of view of effective farming, Sergei Rumas pointed out. Temperatures varied, there was a shortage of moisture, and there were other problems. “All these factors should be very carefully examined and optimal decisions should be made to receive proper results from farming,” the prime minister stressed.

Sergei Rumas mentioned positive results in Zhitkovichi District’s work. In 2019 the district demonstrated good performance in comparison with other districts in Gomel Oblast. It was the oblast’s leader in some things. However, there are still many reserves for growth to tap into, particularly the growth of state-run companies, Sergei Rumas is convinced. Heads of specific enterprises and individual workers bear responsibility for it.

The prime minister pointed out that preparations for the sowing campaign are an extremely important matter for a district where agriculture is the core branch of economy. Sergei Rumas wondered about the district’s readiness in comparison with last year. He also asked questions about the issues that needed to be addressed in order to carry out the sowing campaign in a quality and timely manner. First Deputy Chairman of the Zhitkovichi District Executive Committee Nikolai Pyavko assured the prime minister that everything a successful sowing campaign needs is available. The agricultural machines have been repaired. The vehicle fleet has been renewed. A considerable amount of work has been done to stockpile mineral fertilizers and seeds ahead of the sowing campaign. This year the district intends to gather in over 51,600 tonnes of grain, including corn. Cereals and leguminous crops including winter crops will be sown on over 16,700ha of land. The yield is expected to reach 32 centners per hectare.

Sergei Rumas is convinced that conditions are in place for the successful development of not only agriculture in Zhitkovichi District but also manufacturing sector, small and medium businesses. In his opinion, the development of these sectors depends on commercial entities themselves and on the enterprising spirit and persistence of municipal authorities. The prime minister reminded that the central government had submitted for the head of state’s consideration a draft decree, which will allow stimulating personnel, heads of district administrations for the successful development of the private sector in their districts.

Sergei Rumas also drew attention to the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. “We should surround every veteran with care and attention. We have to find ways to help them in their daily lives,” he stressed.

During the working trip the prime minister was also informed about the fulfillment of the head of state’s instructions to implement an investment project, which provides for building an enterprise to make fuel pellets as part of the Zhitkovichi forestry enterprise. The head of government visited the company OAO Saturn-1 where he was made familiar with the development of export-oriented manufacturing of components, parts, and blocks for railway rolling stock.

The construction of a dairy farm for 2,400 head of milking herd near Dyakovichi, Zhitkovichi District was discussed during the working trip to Turov Dairy Industrial Complex. The company’s import-substituting and export-oriented production efforts were reviewed.

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