A. Lukashenko does not rule out the possibility of privatizing agricultural land

August 31, Zhytkavichy District /Tatyana Polezhay - BELTA/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko does not rule out the possibility of privatizing agricultural land. He stated this today while visiting Mikhail Shrub's farm in Zhytkavichy District, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. "If we go for land privatization, perhaps we will start with him," said Alexander Lukashenko, referring to Mikhail Shrub. "Let it be experimental for now. We need to give land to those who deserve it," the head of state added. Alexander Lukashenko visited the farm's fields today, where onions and potatoes are grown, and familiarized himself with the organization of this production. Chairman of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee Alexander Yakobson reported to the head of state on the implementation of the republican potato-growing program. Currently, 51 thousand hectares are allocated for this crop in agricultural organizations across the country. It is expected that 1 million tons of potatoes will be harvested, with profitability exceeding 60%, reaching up to 100% in some districts. The yield is about 230 centners per hectare. At the same time, there are a number of shortcomings in potato cultivation that require prompt elimination. In particular, there is a shortage of storage facilities, the seed production system is imperfect, potato cultivation is often small-scale production in farms, and there are no logistics centers for its sale. The program, designed until 2015, envisages increasing potato acreage to 65 thousand hectares and production volumes to 9 million tons, with at least 500 thousand tons to be exported. The seed production system will also be revised, and the seed production cycle will be reduced from 9 to 7 years. It is planned to organize specialized potato-growing farms, build the necessary number of modern potato storage facilities, increase starch production, and create raw material zones. All these goals will require Br1.5 trillion. Regarding potato storage facilities, Alexander Yakobson proposed making them from pressed straw, which would be significantly cheaper compared to traditional construction methods. The Gomel region already has experience in building structures using this technology. For example, 4 residential houses have been built from pressed straw in the Petrikov district. The President emphasized the need to follow a scheme that would be optimal in price and durable. The head of state stressed that over the next two years, it is necessary to work as intensively as possible to implement this program. He also noted that all potatoes that farmers wish to sell should be purchased from them at a good price. Alexander Lukashenko visited the premises of Mikhail Shrub's farm, where fruits and vegetables are processed and stored. He was presented with an exhibition of agricultural products grown on the farm, as well as products from 4 processing enterprises in the region. Alexander Lukashenko tasted the products, noting their good quality. The head of state also inspected the farm's under-construction facilities. Summarizing his observations, the President said that when building any agricultural facilities, it is necessary to strive for cost reduction, approaching everything in a thrifty manner. Mikhail Shrub's farm can serve as an example. "There should be optimal projects. There is no need to invent anything. We have places to learn how to do it," said Alexander Lukashenko. -0-