Chinese investors will build large dairy farms in the Vitebsk region

"We have agreed on the implementation of a very serious project. The Chinese side will build two largest dairy complexes for us with direct investment, each housing 6,400 dairy cows, and one smaller complex for 3,200 heads. These facilities will be located in the Dubrovensky, Tolochinsky, and Senno districts. Additionally, plans include the construction of a new feed mill and modern processing facilities, with the resulting products to be supplied to China," the regional head stated.

The governor noted that the construction of these three complexes is only the first stage of close cooperation with the Chinese side in the dairy industry. The possibility of building dairy farms in the Ushachsky, Shumilinsky, and Rossony districts is also being explored. "In total, we are considering the construction of about 10 complexes. Chinese partners have already sent their specialists who are currently working out the details of project issues to avoid potential legislative discrepancies. We are set to sign the investment agreement in December, and construction will commence in 2017," Nikolai Sherstnev remarked.

According to preliminary estimates, the investments will amount to approximately $260 million. Regarding the implementation timeline, the governor emphasized the need for rapid construction to launch production within one and a half to two years. "Construction is not the only aspect. The farms need to be stocked with livestock. Essentially, we need to import around 15,000 heifers almost simultaneously. This will be challenging in terms of veterinary support, and our approaches differ. We proceed from the assumption that we can source this livestock within our republic. The Chinese side currently intends to import from other countries and even continents. We do not entirely agree with this approach.

the climate varies greatly, the conditions of keeping and feeding differ. As a result, the outcome may not be what was expected. Therefore, we will insist on supplying the farms under construction with our own livestock. Moreover, we have a good dairy herd, and the breeding is at a high level," emphasized the head of the region.

"Thus, during the reorganization of the agro-industrial complex of the Vitebsk region, as provided for by Decree No. 320, along with our integrated structures (holdings), another huge structure will appear in the region, but this time with Chinese capital," the governor summarized. Today, a new meat processing shop was opened at the Glubokoye meat processing plant - the first construction phase of the production facility has been commissioned. Full modernization of this link in the production chain will increase the depth of raw material processing from 40% to 80%. The output of sausages and semi-finished products will significantly increase. The project implementation began in 2013 and is scheduled to be completed in 2017. The total amount of capital expenditures is Br13.3 million. Currently, the volume of investment expenditures has amounted to Br11.3 million.

Open joint-stock company "Glubokoye meat processing plant" was established during the privatization of state property of the Glubokoye meat processing plant in accordance with the decision of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee in 1998. Over the years of operation (since 1936), the enterprise has changed its name several times. Correspondingly, the range of products manufactured has also changed (poultry, rabbit meat, cutlets, ready-made meat products, and semi-finished products). In December 2004, the agricultural branch "Golubichi" was merged with OJSC "Glubokoye meat processing plant", and in December 2011, the agricultural branch "Koroli" was merged. In the process of production activities, the enterprise has continuously increased its production capacities.

Alena Tikhonova - BELTA.