Belarus' agriculture minister outlines priorities in crop production

During his working trip to Kamenets District on 13 August, Belarus' Agriculture and Food Minister Sergei Bartosh outlined crop production priorities, BelTA has learned.

The minister emphasized that Kamenets District managed to increase grain output year-on-year. This was achieved because agricultural workers stuck to technology. “Compliance with technology can guarantee a good harvest regardless of weather conditions. At the moment, there is a lack of moisture in Kamenets District, this affects corn, sugar beet. Nevertheless, agricultural workers were able to harvest more while the grain area remained the same. Technology is the key, this includes the timely performance of all types of works,” Sergei Bartosh noted.

Belarus has yet to clear about a third of the area planted to winter and spring grain crops. If the weather is good, agricultural workers will be able to finish harvesting these crops within 8-10 days. After that they will proceed to harvesting buckwheat and millet.

“We will complete the harvesting. Now the most important thing is to lay the foundation for next year. Firstly, we need to sow winter rapeseed in time in order to ensure a good harvest. Winter rapeseed is not so much dependent on weather conditions as on technologies, sowing time and treatment. Secondly, we need to stick to the corn harvesting deadlines. The Agriculture and Food Ministry and science are working on the technology of earlier planting. We need results. Animal feed is the most important thing in animal husbandry,” the minister said.

BelTA – News from Belarus