In 2011, Vitebsk region farmers will receive 13.5 thousand units of new agricultural machinery

January 26, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Grain crops in the Vitebsk region must be sown before May 1. This task was set for farmers by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets today at a meeting of the regional executive committee, a BELTA correspondent reports. In 2011, it is planned to harvest about 2 million tons of grain, 270 thousand tons of potatoes, 20 thousand tons of flax fiber, 250 thousand tons of rapeseed, and procure at least 1.2 million tons of feed units of grass fodder in the region. At the same time, the agricultural sector should achieve positive profitability of sold products. "Only in this way can we ensure the food security of the region and the country," emphasized Alexander Kosinets. In his conviction, the fulfillment of the set tasks will depend on the highest discipline and readiness of personnel for work. "Personnel should not complain about nature and weather and justify their inaction with them," the governor stressed. In the last two years, the machine and tractor fleet in the region has been significantly updated. In 2011, the region will be allocated Br900 billion for the further modernization of agricultural machinery. It is expected that from April to June, 13.5 thousand units of various equipment, including high-power tractors, will arrive in the region. At the same time, Alexander Kosinets believes that farmers in the region need to more actively engage in testing new equipment, and agricultural enterprises should become selection testing grounds. He also demanded to exclude second-generation seeds, which are used in most farms, from the seed fund and replace them with elite or first-generation seeds, which will guarantee higher yields. Preparations for the upcoming sowing campaign have begun in all districts of the region. According to the regional agricultural production department, financial resources and diesel fuel are available in sufficient quantities, the preparation of the seed fund is being completed, and mineral fertilizers are being accumulated. As of January 25, 89% of tractors have been repaired. However, the chairman of the regional executive committee considers the repair pace insufficient. According to him, more than 2 thousand units of various equipment still require repair, and the procurement of mineral fertilizers and the removal of organic matter to the fields are proceeding at a slow pace. The governor also drew attention to the need to develop a plan for sowing vegetables, spring planting of berry bushes and fruit orchards, which will reduce the import of agricultural products into the region. In 2010, the region had to spend about $9 million on the purchase of imported white cabbage, onions, garlic, apples, and potatoes. Alexander Kosinets demanded that the heads of districts and farms tighten control over technological discipline and counteract the inefficient use of resources. -0-