Building farms and increasing production volumes. How is the situation with animal husbandry in Belarus

The presence of its own raw material zone is an important part of the MEAT processing industry in Belarus. By the way, this year the country's agro-industrial complex faces serious tasks to increase livestock production. After all, it is important not only to provide ourselves with high-quality meat, but also to supply sufficient volumes of food for EXPORT . The head of the main department for the intensification of animal husbandry and fisheries activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Natalia Sonich, spoke about the results the industry achieved last year and what plans the processors have for the future.

How much meat is produced in the country

According to Natalia Sonich, in general, 1.735 million tons of livestock and poultry meat were produced in all categories of farms in Belarus in 2022.

"In 2021, we did not reach the level of grain harvest we needed. In this regard, a number of agricultural organizations felt a shortage of mixed fodder. Basically, livestock ate grassy fodder, which does not provide the average daily weight gain that we would like to achieve. In addition, due to external circumstances, at the beginning of 2022, we were unable to quickly reorient ourselves to the import of protein raw materials for the feed industry for our pig farms and poultry farms.At the same time, within a month, we were still able to find new markets and provide our feed industry. these events affected our volumes and production rates," the specialist explained.

However, she added that, compared to 2012, Belarus has grown in production by 100 thousand tons of products.

“In 2012, the production of cattle in agricultural organizations reached 637 thousand tons, pig breeding - almost 473 thousand tons, and poultry farming - 467 thousand tons. I note that in 2022, compared to 2021, our poultry production increased. The same tasks are set for this year," said the head of the main department for the intensification of animal husbandry and fisheries activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

She stressed that the production of cattle meat in the structure of the meat industry is 36.6%, pork - 24%, and poultry meat - almost 40%.

“This year we plan to produce 640 thousand tons of cattle meat, which is more in volume than in 2022. At the same time, we have to raise the average daily weight gain by only 15 g. This year we already have an increase in cattle production, and it is more than 102%, and by the end of the year we expect 104%. Thus, by 2025 we plan to reach the production of 713 thousand tons of this product," said Natalya Sonich.

In Belarus, more than 90% of black-and-white cattle is used in the production of cattle meat. In addition, 161 agricultural organizations are engaged in the cultivation of elite breeds: Aberdeen Angus, Limousines, Herefords, as well as crossbreeds of generations; 32 enterprises are engaged in purebred breeding.

“Belarusian state breeding enterprises are actively developing in the regions. Last year alone, we exported Aberdeen Angus, limousines and Herefords for more than $1 million,” the specialist noted.

So, as of January 1, 2023, for the production of meat from elite breeds in Belarus, 36% of Aberdeen Angus and Hereford were used, limousines - 26%, Charolais - 2%.

As the head of the main department for the intensification of livestock breeding and fisheries activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food assured, all these breeds differ little in terms of meat qualities, but it is Aberdeen Angus and Herefords that are more in demand for the export of breeding farms. That is why we currently produce fewer limousines, although before they were all on the level. In addition, breeds such as the Belgian Blue and the Highland cow have been brought to Belarus .

Last year, almost 400 thousand tons of pork were produced in Belarus, and this year they plan to produce 418.6 thousand tons, which is 4.7% more.

"These indicators will be achieved due to the fact that new pig farms have come into operation. In particular, two pig farms have been commissioned in the Vitebsk region (Goryany and Pushki) and one in the Pinsk district. this will produce additional volumes of products," said Natalia Sonich.

She also drew attention to the fact that a good epizootic situation remains in our country. At the same time, according to the specialist, 16 cases of African plague were recorded in Ukraine in 2021 , and 9 in 2022; in RUSSIA in 2021 - 268, and in 2022 - 141 cases; in Latvia in 2021 - 360, in 2022 - 880; in Poland in 2021 - 2338, and in 2022 - 1763 cases.

As noted by the head of the main department for the intensification of animal husbandry and fisheries activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the level of self-sufficiency in poultry meat in Belarus is 185%. In the production of such meat, about 98% is broiler meat , the rest is turkey, duck, and other species (quail, guinea fowl and geese).

"The epizootic situation has been improved at our poultry farms, sanitary checkpoints have been made and other technologies have been introduced. Many of the factories plan to respecialize. Also in the future, the construction of new complexes. This year we expect to receive more than 701 thousand tons of poultry meat in large agricultural organizations," the specialist said.

She added that by 2025, due to the increase in the area of ​​a number of poultry farms, it is planned to enter the production of 772 thousand tons of poultry meat.

Speaking about the production results for January - March 2023, Natalia Sonich emphasized that the level of MILK production in Belarus amounted to 104.2% compared to the same period last year, livestock and poultry - 103.8%, in particular cattle - 101.6 %, pigs - 101%, poultry - 107.5%.

"According to our calculations, in January-April, poultry production will be at the level of 108.4%. We hope that production rates will continue to grow," summed up the head of the main department for the intensification of animal husbandry and fisheries activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

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