The task is to reach a gross grain harvest of 9-10 million tonnes in the near term, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during a working visit to Mogilev Oblast on 20 June, BelTA has learned.
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Upon arrival at the field with different varieties of winter barley sown as an experiment, the head of state stressed that today is a historic and crucial moment in agriculture.
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarus is in the area of risk farming. One of the problems in agriculture is a short vegetation period of plants. There is a short period from sowing to harvesting. The country needs to cultivate the crops that are suitable for these conditions.
“We need to reach 9-10 million tonnes of grain without including colza,†he set the task.
The matter of getting enough high-quality grains is of particular relevance for Vitebsk Oblast and some other areas of the country. “We need grain. What do we need to cultivate?†the Belarusian leader asked.
The president pointed to the importance of cultivating winter barley. It is harvested before the other crops. This enables to quickly get fodder for livestock farming and to prepare equipment for the main harvest.
“I believe we need to return to more intensive cultivation of winter barley. I am convinced that we need winter barley. We need high-quality grain. This year has shown that winter barley is great. I have never seen such fields,†the Belarusian leader stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko studied the modern varieties at the experimental field in Shklov District. The strict observance of technology gives high results, he said. Other regions should follow suit.
“Under no circumstances should we descend to barley cultivation without technology! We should not do it without technology. It is a way out for Vitebsk Oblast. It really is a turning point in agriculture,†the president said addressing governors and scientists.
Colza cultivation was another issue on the agenda of the president's working trip. Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed the great importance of this crop for agriculture.
“Colza means money for farmers. We must reach a million [tonnes of harvest]. This should turn the tide in agriculture,†the head of state said.
“We have to give impetus to this great cause. Believe me, it will be a revolution in agriculture. There will be famine in the world, even I already believe that. If we ensure food security... We have already ensured it,†said the head of state.
He pointed out that the discussed topic is very important for the provision of fodder for livestock industry. “If we can feed livestock, we will always have milk and meat. I will also ask them [those in charge of livestock sector] about the loss of livestock,†Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
In his words, if Belarus implements all this, “the country will never have problems with moneyâ€.
After the barley field the head of state visited the colza field. “Both fields are showing good harvests. It means we know how to cultivate, how to grow. We just need to do everything according to the technology,†he said.
“What prevents us from having such colza everywhere?†Aleksandr Lukashenko wondered.
The issue of providing modern equipment in agriculture was also discussed during the trip. Equipment has become more expensive and sophisticated. It is important that the specialists treat it with care and use it properly. ■