An archive photo

MINSK, 17 August (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko heard a report from Agriculture and Food Minister Yuri Gorlov on 17 August, BelTA has learned.

The main topics of the report were the progress of the harvest and sowing campaigns, milk and meat processing, food sales trends, and measures to ensure livestock preservation.

The head of state was informed that the harvest of grain and legume crops is in its final stages. Farmers are expecting a significant increase in yield compared with last year’s already high baseline. The grain harvest, including rapeseed, is expected to reach 9 million tonnes, with a record rapeseed crop of around 1.5 million tonnes.

Good prospects are also seen for the corn harvest, which still needs to be brought in, with plans for 2.5 million tonnes.

The total gross harvest, including rapeseed and corn, is expected to be around 11.5 million tonnes. Grain deliveries under the state procurement are ahead of schedule and are planned to be fully completed by 1 September.

Other crops are also showing high yields - sugar beets, flax, and vegetables. During the off-season, the country’s residents will be fully supplied with all essentials.

At the same time, regions are actively engaged in winter sowing. Yuri Gorlov separately reported on the situation in Vitebsk Oblast, where good progress has been made despite the more northern conditions - winter rapeseed has already been sown on 83% of the planned area.

Regarding the livestock sector, the report focused on compliance with technological and executive discipline, as well as measures to reduce cattle mortality. Yuri Gorlov assured that there is a positive trend in this regard. By October, several hundred calf rearing facilities will be put into operation. This year also saw a significant increase in the harvesting of grass fodder.

The president inquired about trends in agricultural processing, particularly meat and milk, and the food export situation. The minister reported that the growth rate of gross agricultural output is currently 113% compared with last year. Foreign currency earnings from sales have increased by about a quarter, and foreign partners continue to show strong interest in Belarusian food products. Butter sales, which had previously accumulated in warehouses and drew criticism from the president, are now moving at a good pace, with sales volumes exceeding production.

Thus, all conditions are in place to surpass last year’s record $10 billion in food exports.