Cooperators of the Vitebsk region paid the population almost Br106 billion for the products delivered in January-July.

August 8, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Cooperators of the Vitebsk region paid out almost Br106 billion to the population for handed-in agricultural products and forest gifts in January-July this year. Compared to the same period last year, the population's revenue increased by 30%, the first deputy chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Union of Consumer Societies, Viktor Shulyak, told a BELTA correspondent. This season, procurement agents have already collected 523 tons of blueberries, exceeding last year's figure by a third. Bilberries procured are 40% more than in the first seven months of last year, and mushrooms are 10% more. The population has started handing in early potatoes and apples. Last year, 13 thousand tons of apples were purchased, but this year, cooperators hope to procure more. As Viktor Shulyak noted, the growth in procurement volumes was facilitated not only by the berry and mushroom-rich summer but also by the resolution of organizational issues related to procurement. Firstly, purchase prices were increased from the beginning of the season. Secondly, the number of procurement agents has grown. Along with full-time employees working in 1700 procurement offices and consumer cooperative stores, over 300 seasonal procurement agents with personal vehicles have been involved in working with the population. This allows for the collection of berries and mushrooms from the population directly at the collection sites, in settlements. Vitebsk cooperators fully satisfy the applications of OJSC "Vitebsk Fruit and Vegetable Processing Plant" for berries for baby food production. Some of the procured products go to other processing enterprises, but the main part of the reserves is deep-frozen and will be sent for export.