"A grain surplus, 85,000 tons more vegetables." Shuleiko on the results of the agricultural year.

November 16, Minsk . Belarus has been experiencing a grain surplus for two years now. Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko stated this on television, according to BELTA.

"Objectively, this year we saw not only a hot but also a rainy summer and spring frosts. This has contributed to our domestic agricultural season. It's been a prosperous year. I'd say there will be approximately 10 million tonnes of grain and 1 million tonnes of rapeseed. We've effectively had a grain surplus for two years now. Previously, we had to turn to the Russian Federation to purchase our harvest , but today, objectively, many farms in our republic are offering their services for sale. The grain is storing well. We're maintaining a balance and are exchanging it through state programs," Shuleiko said.

He added that vegetable plantings have increased this year. "The results are clear. There are plenty of potatoes in the country. We've harvested 85,000 tons more vegetables. A clear decision has been made, and the head of state has supported us. We've converted stabilization funds into state procurement, thereby defining the responsibilities of all parties. Who's storing them today, who's putting them on the shelf, and what prices will be for the produce in the off-season," the Deputy Prime Minister added.
He also noted that 14,000 tons of cucumbers were produced, which amounted to 172% of Belarusians' needs. The tomato production strategy is continuing, with the goal of increasing tomato production from 6,500 tons to 20,000 tons, but these results are planned for the end of 2027 or beginning of 2028.

Yuri Shuleiko noted that work is also underway to mitigate the decline in technological discipline in livestock farming, but this process doesn't happen overnight, as the condition of the livestock, feed procurement, and the entire veterinary service system are all important. For example, work is currently underway to strengthen district veterinary stations. Veterinarians are being recruited and provided with financial incentives.

"The country has sufficient grain, and animal rations can be balanced to achieve adequate weight gain, the required amount of milk, and animal safety. By 2030, we need to build approximately 350 dairy farms, which is what we are doing today," the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
Screenshot from a video by the Belarus 1 TV channel.