The peat enterprise from the Dokshitsy district supplies its products to more than 30 countries worldwide

While winter, unwilling to yield to the next season, frightens us with its last frosts, tender sprouts of peppers, tomatoes, flowers, and other crops are germinating on the windowsills of summer residents. And the summer residents themselves are looking for another "portion" of soil in stores for pricking out the sprouted stems. Colorful packages with the "Dvina" logo immediately catch the eye. And those who have already used the products of Vitebsk peat processors more than once know: this brand guarantees quality.

However, just a few years ago, the peat processing enterprise in the vicinity of
Krulevshchina was on its last legs. The situation changed when the production got a new owner — UP "Vitebskoblgaz". With the meticulousness and organization inherent in gas workers, the new management got down to business. And in all directions. Simultaneously with the modernization of production and the introduction of advanced labor methods, they improved discipline and created comfortable working conditions for employees. They even went so far as to build service housing, and one beautiful house already stands near the enterprise, with a second one under construction. Working at the peat production facility has become prestigious: the salary has increased significantly (almost doubled) and is second only to the income of railway workers. Service rooms with shower cabins are equipped, and there is a canteen. People are brought to work by bus.

Production successes are also impressive. Subsoil development is carried out at 3 fields with a total area of 580 hectares. Last year, 40,000 tons of valuable mineral were extracted and processed, and 9,000 tons were processed in the first two months of the current year. Moreover, 80 percent of the products are exported to more than 30 countries worldwide, including not only Western European countries but also distant ones like Turkey. By the way, the transportation costs for the latter alone exceed 2,000 euros per truck. Nevertheless, there is always a queue of heavy-duty vehicles with license plates from different countries at the enterprise. This is all thanks to the quality and wide range of soils. Currently, 50 types are produced here. These are soils for various types of plants, prepared on automatic lines with almost no human intervention (the worker only monitors the process and sets the necessary programs), to which dolomite flour, mineral fertilizers, macro- and microelements are added in optimal proportions. There is a dedicated laboratory that controls product quality. Work is organized around the clock, and everyone benefits from production output. Employees sometimes even skip lunch to work, because they know their diligence will result in a significant salary increase. It is also important that the soils are packaged in various containers: 5, 10, 20, 55, 100, and 5000 liters. The latter, so-called big bags, are used by agricultural enterprises.

It is especially worth emphasizing that behind all the successes of the peat processors lies the strenuous work of the team, a thoughtful approach to production development, precise calculations, and accurate answers to the questions: what, where, how, and when will it pay off? The management of UP "Vitebskoblgaz" headed by General Director, member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Petr Shershen, and the marketing department are doing a lot to develop their peat enterprise, as competition in both domestic and foreign markets is quite fierce.

— To get a good return, you need to invest a lot of funds in field development, purchasing new equipment — in general, in everything we call modernization, — says Vitaly Nesplyak, the young and energetic director of the peat enterprise. — We have taken steps in this direction, and the result is evident. Last year, our soils were recognized as the best products of the year, and this year we are increasing our pace and strengthening our positions, as evidenced by sales volumes.

Lyubov Dedyuro. "Vitebsky Rabochy"