How Lukashenko sees the Vitebsk region and who should be thanked for peace in Belarus? The main points from the President's trip to Polotsk

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On November 8, the President of Belarus ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO visited the regional festival "Dazhynki" in Polotsk. The HEAD of state, as he has admitted more than once, comes to this holiday to thank farmers for their hard work. And this is also an occasion not only to reward the best of the best, to remember what problems the residents of a particular region faced and how they overcame all the difficulties, but also to outline strategic issues for the future. Alexander Lukashenko spoke about all this in Polotsk. About
the future of the Vitebsk region

Despite the celebrations, the head of state began his visit to Polotsk by no means with a festive and certainly not with an idle question. The first thing the President did was to ask officials, and above all the Minister of Agriculture and Food, what their plans were for the development of the region. The topic was the agro-industrial potential.
"What are we going to do with the Vitebsk Region or in the Vitebsk Region?" asked Alexander Lukashenko. "I want to warn you: in March, if this President stays, you report to me down to the centimeter (together with your assistants responsible for the region, the governor) what we are going to do with the Vitebsk Region. The Vitebsk Region is working - and I am not saying this for fun - very poorly or, as they say in the village, in a haphazard manner."


The head of state emphasized that the residents of the Vitebsk Region should see prospects in their region: "People should live and work here. They should find their place and their wages here."

In the meantime, according to the President, there is no order, discipline or responsibility in the region. "It's terrible. We need to decide on everything: what kind of field, what kind of forage base for a farm or complex. But the conditions for the people in this complex or on the farm should be good," he demanded.
Alexander Lukashenko warned officials not to even try to muddy the waters: the agricultural culture is low, the fallow land is not rising, and the grain losses are colossal.

"We need intensive agriculture , and not to conduct it extensively at the expense of areas," the head of state noted. "While the land is visible, while it is not covered with snow, fly over it from above, below, left, right, look and think about what we will do."
About Belarusian statehood

But still, the main event of the day was the President's participation in the regional festival "Dazhynki". Polotsk was chosen as the capital of the festival for a reason: this city is the treasury of the Belarusian land. And, according to Alexander Lukashenko, every Belarusian should visit here at least once in their life. In Polotsk - it is also called a museum city - every stone breathes history. And it was from here that the arduous, difficult path of the Belarusian people to their own statehood began one thousand two hundred years ago.


"Already in the 12th century, Polotsk was a developed metropolis of Eastern Europe. By the way, today the West is condescendingly trying to teach us democracy. Especially the Americans, who are only about 250 years old as a country, a state," the head of state noted. "Behind us is the wisdom of centuries, deep traditions of state governance, enshrined in ancient sources of law. There are the origins of our current people's democracy."


It is from the experience of their ancestors that Belarusians today proceed when step by step, evolutionarily developing, improving and strengthening their state, the President said. "We have been tested for strength many times, trying to take away our freedom. The passions around Belarus have not subsided to this day. Our sovereignty does not give anyone peace. The most sophisticated methods are used against us to simply reset us, erase us from history. You see it for yourself, how the situation around us is escalating," said Alexander Lukashenko. "As the President did and will do everything to ensure that Belarus is free, independent, and most importantly, peaceful."

"Our response to all the intrigues is creation. Our front is the economy . And for the villagers - first of all, the grain field. Bread has always been the hardest currency. That is why your results in agriculture are the most important contribution to ensuring food and national security in general," the Belarusian leader noted.

About successes, shortcomings and "electoral discounts"

If upon arrival in the city the question of the future of the Vitebsk region Alexander Lukashenko raised only with officials, then during the festival he outlined it already with the residents of the region themselves. The head of state said that it is scary to even think about the upcoming volumes of work. But the eyes are afraid, and the hands are doing.


"Whether we like it or not, but based on our experience, we must finally resolve the issue of the Vitebsk region in the next five years. Resolve it in a positive way and decide what else we will do here. After all, half of the farms are normal farms in the Vitebsk region. They work, they can work, and the other half, maybe a little less, need support and appropriate organization," the President said. "In the spring, before the sowing campaign, somewhere in March, we will talk about this. The hardest work awaits us . We will help those who give back. Understand, we cannot bury other people's money in the ground. Help means that we take from someone and give it to you. But we must give to those who will give twice as much tomorrow, so that we can return these funds to them. A simple formula, life has not come up with and will not come up with another. Take - give."
According to him, overall this year's figures are quite contrasting. There are individual districts and enterprises that look worthy of being among the republic's leaders. "The only question is how to make these successes the norm for the Vitebsk region," Alexander Lukashenko noted. - Especially since 8 years ago you persuaded me to start an experiment to create agro-industrial associations as the basis for the future of the Vitebsk region's agro-industrial complex. That's right. I don't see any problems here at all. Within the framework of these agro-associations, we can polish the options. If we see that this is no good at all, we will disband them and the farms will work on their own, like in the old days. But by uniting and clearly developing a system, it is always easier. We will see in the spring what the experts will say about these issues."

Today, about 130 agricultural enterprises in the region are part of six such structures. "That is, those who can work themselves, work well, my command was: don't touch them, let them work. Those who do not want to work or have objective problems, let's unite, think about how veterinary services will work and so on," the Belarusian leader explained.

As for the created associations, they included many innovations and preferences even on a national scale - from raw material zones and economic incentives for processing to the specifics of personnel policy. "I have not forgotten your promises. By March 1, we will summarize the work of these structures. And I want you to understand: there will be no "electoral discounts", elections, they say, if you screw up. There is no time for populism," the President warned.

The head of state cited data that this year the Vitebsk region threshed about 900 thousand tons of grain. "But we did not reach our basic goal - at least a million tons. If we take grain, we did well with corn: plus 100 thousand tons compared to last year. In terms of the yield of this crop, we even almost overtook Grodno residents - we came in second place in the country. If this is true. I think it is true. 90 centners per hectare, - he said. - This is even higher than the average for the republic. This shows that you can do it."

About the peculiarities of the region and its potential

"We discussed the issues with the governor at the entrance. I told him directly: Vitebsk residents can do everything. Even if you build complexes poorly, you cannot get going on a simple construction site, this is not because you do not know how to do it. This is because someone does not want or does not care about solving the issues that need to be solved today. And absolutely everyone can do it in Vitebsk, Polotsk, other cities and villages of the Vitebsk region," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
Alexander Lukashenko believes that the potential of the agro-industrial complex of the Vitebsk region has not yet been revealed, there is still room to move.

"I think that it will still be grass crop rotation and MILK. Getting grain in the north, north of Polotsk, Vitebsk, is probably an adventure. We are not succeeding. Therefore, we must proceed from the real situation and do what is necessary. We agree with the regional leadership that we need to determine the places where we will build dairy complexes," the President said.

Accordingly, there must be a feed base for this. But Alexander Lukashenko focused on the main thing - the issue is not in the complexes, not in milk and not in the level of MEAT production - there is enough of this in the country. "The issue is in you - the people. I cannot imagine that Vitebsk region will be some kind of bare, dull region where there will be no people, where there will be emptiness. "This will never happen," the Belarusian leader emphasized.

He noted that the Vitebsk region has its own characteristics, including negative ones, in comparison with the southern regions of Belarus. But further north - in RUSSIA, Norway, Finland - there are even more difficult conditions in terms of agriculture. "I mean that the people of Vitebsk are not needed somewhere there. We will live on this land, but we need to clearly define what we will do here. If people stayed, where will they work, what is the salary, what are the working conditions," the head of state said.

"In general, it's time, dear friends, to pull ourselves together. Moreover, you know how to do it. Think about how. Then report. Together we will finally decide," the President urged. Alexander Lukashenko also recalled that the experiment with soybeans was

successful

in the region. "The results are encouraging (the yield of 30 centners per hectare was obtained on the first 100 hectares). Not bad for soybeans. This shows that we should be engaged in this crop in Belarus, - the head of state instructed. - We spend hundreds of millions of dollars on purchasing these feeds. We buy a huge amount of soybeans from abroad. Why don't we grow them here?"


"As you can see, even soybeans can be grown in the Vitebsk region. This is experience. And the minister has been instructed to spread this to Belarus," the Belarusian leader added.
"I have said many times that a breakthrough is impossible without a new scientific and technological basis - through selection, increased productivity, compliance with technologies in both crop production and livestock farming. There is a certain basis, but today we need a more significant result. "So that you could at least live normally," the President emphasized.

On the tasks in the flax industry

The Vitebsk region is also famous for its flax products. Its EXPORT , Alexander Lukashenko sets the task, must be doubled in the next five years.


"We must at least get closer to the previous, Soviet volumes and double exports and sales in five years. Especially since pricesLet's go. This fully applies to other regions that are engaged in flax cultivation, - said the head of state. - I repeat, a breakthrough is needed. From farmers, scientists, engineers. We must learn to cultivate high-quality long-fiber flax, constantly increase the volumes of raw materials and products. And short fiber (is in demand. - Note by BELTA). CHINA produces everything, but they ask us: "Give us short fiber, we will produce the necessary products." Why can't we produce and sell fabrics to China, and not raw materials? We must more boldly expand the scope of application, look for ways to create new non-traditional materials, for example, composite ones."

According to the President, Belarus has managed to achieve a lot in flax growing and production of flax products, but the main thing is that it has managed to preserve the industry, although there are still considerable problems.

"The tasks for flax growing have been set, responsible personnel have been identified. The demand will also be appropriate. No matter how difficult it may be, flax is still our national symbol, it is depicted on the state emblem. But that's not the point. Belarus has always been among the world leaders in flax cultivation and production, and the Vitebsk region is the flagship of this industry," Alexander Lukashenko noted.
He noted that flax is a difficult crop. That is why the whole world is not very keen on growing flax, especially on farms, because flax can only return to its former field after 6-7 years, and this is a big problem. "But we can do this on our collective and state farms, where there are thousands of hectares. And what I predicted 20 years ago has happened: the world has stopped cultivating this crop in the volumes that are needed today," the Belarusian leader noted.

"But we have preserved it. We fought tooth and nail to grow flax and sell it to trusts. We modernized flax mills and modernized the Orsha Flax Mill twice," the President emphasized. - In the 90s, we also almost ruined this crop, the profitability of which, imagine, reached 70%. We have radically changed the situation. The invested funds allowed us to create new varieties of flax, new equipment, and modernize production. Our Orsha Flax Mill is the largest in Europe and the CIS."

About intelligent technologies as a locomotive of progress

"The lack of natural advantages and the difficulties caused by it - cold climate , difficult soils, lack of fossil hydrocarbons - we must compensate for what we are especially strong in - intelligence, brains. And this applies not only to the Vitebsk region," said Alexander Lukashenko.


The President emphasized that the intellectual potential of Belarus is colossal. The republic belongs to the category of states with a very high level of human development. "We have no stupid people," he added.

"It is intelligent technologies that should become the driving force of progress. High-tech projects with the highest degree of automation, robotics and other modern forms of work are the face of today's agro-industrial complex," the head of state said.
About the social package for young specialists

According to Alexander Lukashenko, this level of production organization will be attractive to young people: "The village should keep up with the times. We need to bring young people back to the village and involve them in solving innovative problems, create conditions for this and give them the opportunity to prove themselves."


He noted that many young farmers have appeared in the country; they are engaged in growing various types of products - from hazelnuts to apples and watermelons. "We need to trust the youth," the head of state noted.

"And if we are talking about conditions, we cannot ignore material incentives. We need to develop a standard social package for young specialists who go to work in the village (rental housing, financial, transport support, and so on)," the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko recalled that he accepted all proposals for the development of targeted training. "If we sent a target student, concluded an agreement with him, including with his parents, he must return and work on this land. There should be no other options. Higher education is very expensive, and you have to pay for it," the Belarusian leader emphasized.

The need for widespread introduction of high technologies into economic activity, according to Alexander Lukashenko, is predetermined by another objective factor: the crisis of the early 1990s, the collapse of the economy and devastation in those years are manifested today by a demographic imbalance. "The shortage of labor resources must be compensated for by a more effective technological structure and iron discipline," the head of state orients.
On the national brand of Belarus

"In pursuit of progress, we must not forget about ecology. Especially here, in the Vitebsk region, which is famous as a land of protected forests, the purest blue lakes and pristine swamps, and this is oxygen. We must not move away from what has become a national brand - a careful attitude towards nature, - said Alexander Lukashenko. - This brand should be promoted in every possible way, skillfully used."


The President noted that while others adopt declarations and hold conferences, Belarusians grow forests, restore the population of rare animals, maintain biodiversity and produce clean products.

"This must continue to be done here, in the Vitebsk region. And if we are not very good with land, but the forests are growing, we must shift the center of gravity to the Vitebsk region: we must saw, process, build from wood and sell it all over the world. There are no forests south of Ukraine, even south of Kiev, but everyone wants to live in comfortable housing and eat normal food.We can provide this,” the head of state said.

On the tourism potential of the Vitebsk region

"Tourism for the Vitebsk region, especially rural tourism, is a powerful growth factor. Its potential has not yet been realized. It is not enough to have natural resources - a modern infrastructure that is attractive to guests is needed. We need to open the Braslav lakes, the Yelnya raised bog, therapeutic mud, mineral waters, as well as the St. Sophia Cathedral, the Spaso-Euphrosyne Monastery and other unique monuments to the world," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.

Moreover, there is already experience: the grand festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" has long become world famous.

"Vitebsk region is famous for its ancient history, natural beauty, traditions that you cherish and which you multiply. And it is also a legendary partisan land, where the memory of the heroes who defended the freedom and independence of our Motherland is carefully preserved. Today, this is more important than ever. Just like peace and tranquility on our land, the price of which we know very well and which we must defend and protect with all our might," the head of state continued.

The President added that a lot has already been done, even what sometimes seemed impossible has been done.

About true patriots and the foundation of Belarusian statehood

Alexander Lukashenko thanked the farmers for their hard work, professionalism and perseverance and presented state awards to the best agricultural workers of the Vitebsk region.
"You are our leaders, skilled people, dedicated to your work, successfully competing with colleagues from other regions. Undoubtedly, behind each individual success there is a daily huge work of the entire team: managers, specialists, machine operators, combine operators, drivers and other workers. A deep bow to all of you who have worked these years and this year in the grain field! This is the purpose of my visit to your regional "Dazhynki": I considered it necessary to come here to bow low to you for your work, for your kindness, for your responsiveness, as well as for your patriotism," said the Belarusian leader.


"You are the basis of our life and the basis of our security. It is only thanks to you that today we have not been drawn into any wars, confrontations and conflicts. We live not richly, but peacefully, and this is the main thing. Everything else is in our hands. You are true patriots of your land, who have dedicated their lives to the noblest occupation - peasant labor," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
The farmers also did not remain in debt and presented the President with a festive loaf of bread. The Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin noted that, despite the difficult weather conditions, the northern region contributes to the overall grain harvest of the republic.

About the symbol of power and courage

And at the festival, the President was presented with a replica of a battle sword from the time of Prince Vseslav the Sorcerer. As a symbol of power and courage, it was presented to the head of state on a wolf skin.

Alexander Subbotin noted that Polotsk is the historical, cultural and religious center of the country. Here in Belarus, the first stone temple and the first monastery were built. And the city was also the center of one of the most powerful principalities - Polotsk, which is why such an unusual gift was prepared for the President.

"I presented state awards for the 1001st time and thought that there were people from all regions. Even from the northernmost region. And these are people from the best farms. This means that in each region - the northernmost, southernmost, and so on - there are examples of good farms, beacons that we should follow. This means that we can work. We just need to repeat their experience," said Alexander Lukashenko.
The President once again emphasized that Belarusian farmers are true patriots. No matter what happens in the country, they always work and do everything possible for their homeland.

"I really want our Vitebsk region... I will not say loud phrases - "prosper." I really want smiling people to live here. So that they have a smile on their faces and joy in their souls," the head of state said.