In particular, speaking about Brest Oblast, Alexander Lukashenko remarked the region had done a lot to bring back the arable farming standards that existed in the USSR times. While the agribusiness organization looks bright on the outside, Alexander Lukashenko is convinced there are considerable reserves that can be tapped to raise arable farming effectiveness. “We have great reserves to tap into as far as arable farming standards and effectiveness are concerned. What good is the crop yield of 40 centners per hectare [in Brest Oblast]? You can get at least 50. It would be a great addition, another half a million tonnes. You would not have to do extra ploughing or sowing to get it”.
Brest Oblast Governor Konstantin Sumar said that this year the region has to produce at least 1.3 million tonnes of cereals excluding corn. It will be a record high year for Brest Oblast, he said. As of 27 July Brest Oblast gathered in crops from about half of the lands sown with cereals and leguminous crops. As much as 640,000 tonnes of cereals has been harvested, with the average yield at 39.3 centners per hectare.
As far as the entire country is concerned, about 580,000ha has been processed, 23.8% of the area under crops. Nearly 2.2 million tonnes of grain has been harvested, with the average yield at 48.9 centners per hectare.
It was pointed out that Belarus went from zero to one million tonnes within two days. “We used to spend about ten days to gather in one million,” remarked Alexander Lukashenko.
The head of state was informed that Belarusian agricultural enterprises were generally well-supplied with fuel and lubricants and have sufficient technical reserves to complete the harvesting campaign on time.
Yet modest criticism was expressed regarding the construction and modernization of grain-drying facilities as part of the relevant government program designed to guide that till 2015. In some places the progress has fallen behind the plans.
The agricultural technology was discussed, including the application of mineral and organic fertilizers. “Spend your money wisely,” underlined Alexander Lukashenko. He pointed out it was necessary to find the optimal balance of fertilizers depending on the end goal.
