Co-operators of the Vitebsk region paid the population Br42.4 billion for surrendered vegetables and forest gifts.

August 9, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. Cooperators of the Vitebsk region paid Br42.4 billion to the population for agricultural products and forest gifts handed over in January-July this year. Compared to the same period last year, the population's revenue increased by 20%, the first deputy chairman of the Vitebsk regional consumer union Viktor Shulyak told a BELTA correspondent.

This season, collectors gathered 395 tons of blueberries, which is four times more than last year's figure, and about 16 tons of mushrooms, which is 3.7 times more than last year. The population has started handing over apples and early potatoes.

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 of procurement. Firstly, since the beginning of the season, purchase prices have been significantly increased, and secondly, the number of collectors has increased. Along with 272 full-time employees, 150 seasonal collectors with personal vehicles are involved in purchases from the population. This allows for the organization of reception of berries and mushrooms from the population directly in the forest.

Consumer cooperatives 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 exported. About 80% of the frozen forest gifts will be sold to Russia, Germany, Poland, and the Baltic countries. -0-