We work according to the schedule. Potato sowing started at Tucha agricultural complex in Kletsk district

The agrarians of the Tucha agricultural complex in the Kletsk district have actively begun the sowing campaign. In the economy, in addition to traditional grain crops, they make a special bet on the production of potatoes. Despite the vagaries of the April weather, the specialists are doing all the work according to the schedule. What tasks are facing farmers, our correspondent found out.

During our previous visit to the enterprise, which was in November 2022, the specialists of the agricultural complex were actively preparing for the winter. The crop at that time had already been harvested, the last mowing of grasses was being completed. Therefore, the first question that we asked the HEAD of the enterprise, Vladimir Zakharchuk, lay on the surface: how did you spend the winter?

“Excellent,” the DIRECTOR briefly characterizes the winter months. - Of course, in the cold season there were many worries. We are talking about the preparation of equipment, the purchase of fertilizers, without which it is impossible to imagine a sowing campaign. In the end they did well.

Last year for the enterprise turned out to be, if not exemplary, then close to it.

“The numbers testify to success. Take, for example, a grain wedge. The total harvest compared to 2021 increased by 127.8% - up to 5.8 thousand tons. Impressive results were shown for our profile crop - potatoes. If in 2021 a little more than 3 thousand tons were harvested from the fields, then according to the results of last year's campaign, the result was 6.2 thousand tons, although our soils are far from the most fertile. What the Kletsk land is famous for - about 36 points on average. Nevertheless, in 2022 we showed a record yield, which amounted to 56 centners per hectare, - Vladimir Zakharchuk operates with numbers.

The success of last year's harvest is the result of many factors. The weather was also good. However, these are things of the past. Now farmers think only about the future harvest.

– The impressive volume of grown grain allowed us to solve several important tasks at once. Such, for example, as a state order. We also supplied the required amount of grain to the head enterprise MINSK KRISTALL OJSC, the managing company of the MINSK KRISTALL GROUP holding, at whose facilities raw materials are processed. The company, in turn, provides us with serious investment support. For nearly 19 years, the machine and tractor fleet has undergone a major upgrade. However, they were not limited to this. We revised the approach to crop and livestock production in principle. There are many young professionals with good knowledge and a desire to work. Accordingly, all this allowed us to become a self-sufficient enterprise that sets the highest goals for itself,” Vladimir Zakharchuk explains.

April, which is characterized by unstable and changeable weather, did not, however, make any serious adjustments to the work of farmers. The Tuchans took to the fields on time. Sowing runs normally and without failures. We immediately go to the field where potatoes are planted. While we are getting to the grounds, Vladimir Zakharchuk talks about culture with genuine interest.

“Potatoes have many peculiarities in terms of cultivation,” the director explains. - Surely, those who grew up in the countryside know: for several years in a row, "bulba" cannot be grown in one place, the earth is too tired. Therefore, we rotate places for crops virtually every year. According to our technology, potatoes can be grown in one place only once every four years. We produce both seed and food varieties of the crop.

However, the root crop is important not only to grow, but also to preserve. A few years ago, a modern potato storage facility was built on the farm. A special microclimate is provided there - so the root crops are stored for a long time.

In the meantime, we are on the field. Aleksey Kurochitsky, a machine operator, is working on sowing potatoes. The young man has been working at Tucha for nearly five years.

- In total, we need to sow several tens of hectares. It will take several days, the process is not the fastest. As for the working conditions, I like everything. If you do not want to sit idle, then there is always a task. And if you work hard, you can earn good money and plan your future.

We do not distract Alexei for a long time. Having made a spectacular U-turn, the mechanic goes to the next circle. We are moving to the next field. Here, organic fertilizers are applied to the soil. Another representative of the Kurochitsky family is driving the loader - Aleksey's father Gennady.

– Now is a hot time, we work almost without respite. It is important to have time to fertilize the fields, to plant everything on time. Then the result will be excellent. I have a good loader. Maneuverable and powerful, many tasks can be handled,” the man says.

“The attitude of the management and good working conditions,” explains the machine operator. - It motivates you to work hard. Knowing that the company has a reliable rear, you want to work much more efficiently.

On the territory of the agricultural complex there are many fields where winter crops are sown. Mainly wheat and rapeseed. The manager notes: the crops overwintered well, the plants are strong and show a good growth rate. However, cultures need constant processing.

So, with the help of the Rosa sprayer, the fields are processed by the machine operator Petr Nikonchuk.

- Pay attention to the wheels of the car. They have no protection at all. In addition, the tire pressure is much lower than in a conventional car. This allows you to drive on wet ground at an acceptable speed and quickly process crops. The complex, by the way, is of Belarusian production. There are no complaints about his work. Very thoughtful technique, - the expert notes.

Rapeseed fields are also cultivated. While we are watching how a self-propelled sprayer deftly and quickly sprays the next share of fertilizers with the help of a special installation, Vladimir Zakharchuk talks about the features of his work.

We actively use modern technologies. If earlier, when processing fields, the machine operator relied solely on physical landmarks, now he has a special program where the picture is visible in real time. That is, the specialist perfectly sees where he missed part of the field. You can go back and finish what you started, - says the director of the enterprise.

At the end of 2022, the average monthly salary exceeded the mark of 1,320 rubles. Growth compared to the same period last year amounted to 114.7%.

- The growth of wages is not only reflected on paper - the productivity of labor is significantly increased. There are specialists who earn significantly above average. Of course, it is worth mentioning separately about machine operators, who during the harvest can earn an amount significantly higher than the average salary, - emphasizes Vladimir Zakharchuk.

A lot of land of the agricultural complex "Tucha" is given over to the cultivation of rapeseed. This culture, the head of the enterprise notes, brings a good income to farmers. In 2022, experts collected 1.2 thousand tons of oilseeds, which is 280 tons more than a year earlier.

– Therefore, in the last few years, rapeseed has occupied a significant share in the structure of crops. Our specialists know how to grow rapeseed. Culture allows you to earn additional funds. They, as expected, are directed to the development of the enterprise, - says Vladimir Zakharchuk.

It is planned to complete sowing at the Tucha agricultural complex in the coming days. After that, the period starts when the crops need to be carefully cared for. Not far off and harvesting campaign.

“Based on experience, we understand that time passes very quickly. It only seems that it is still the middle of April, and the harvest is not soon. Time will fly by quickly. Undoubtedly, there are difficult weeks ahead. It's one thing to sow seeds. Another is to take care of the crops correctly and on time.

Vladimir Zakharchuk does not undertake to think about the future harvest.

- Of course, I want to exceed the results of last year. But how it will turn out - time will tell. I can say one thing for sure: our workers will do everything to make the harvest excellent both in terms of performance and quality. We will make every effort for this. In the meantime, many weeks of hard work lie ahead.

Despite the obviously powerful and strong branch of crop production, the agricultural complex places a serious emphasis on animal husbandry. In particular, milk production. For 2022, the average milk yield per cow was 7360 kilograms. The gross figure was 6992 tons. Slightly more than 65% of raw materials are extra grade. Almost the entire volume of milk produced is sold to the Kletsk cheese-making plant.

– The dairy industry gives us good finances. That is why we pay so much attention to it. Our farms are equipped with modern equipment that allows you to show a decent result. We are updating the material and technical base.

Last year, the company had four grass cuttings. Thus, 9.2 thousand tons of haylage, as well as 15 thousand tons of silage, turned out to be in the bins of the agricultural complex.

- And the stocks remain large, - Vladimir Zakharchuk points from the car window to several filled trenches. - In fact, after the last mowing last autumn, we became the owners of a one and a half year supply of fodder. Nowadays, feed safety is one of the key tasks of any agricultural enterprise. No food, no milk. This factor cannot be overlooked.

MINSK KRISTALL OJSC, the managing company of the MINSK KRISTALL GROUP holding, took patronage of the enterprise in 2004. During this time, the agricultural complex, thanks to the constant support of the head enterprise, has become one of the strongest farms in the Kletsk district. "MINSK KRISTALL" assists in the purchase of fuel and lubricants. In return, the agricultural complex supplies the head enterprise with the wheat, potatoes and other products necessary for production at special prices.

– Of course, I would like to say a huge thank you to MINSK KRISTALL OJSC for constant support. Thanks to her, we have achieved significant success and continue to develop further,” says Vladimir Zakharchuk.

Part of the potatoes grown in the vast agricultural complex is sent to the processing workshop located in the agricultural town of Snov. There, starch is produced from a quality root crop. Several hundred tons of products roll off the assembly line every year. In the past, the volume was 797 tons. This is 197.5% more than in 2021.

Alexander NOVOKHROST, photo - the author and Pavel ORLOVSKY