Lukashenko held a meeting on the development of agro-industrial associations in the Vitebsk region
Alexander Lukashenko is ready to grant any powers to the heads of the agro-industrial complex
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko emphasizes that a great moment is currently emerging for the development of agriculture and food exports. He stated this at a meeting on the development of agro-industrial associations in the Vitebsk region.
A decree concerning the creation and functioning of such associations was adopted two years ago, in February 2020. As officials reported, certain results have been achieved: debt burden has been reduced, issues of material and technical equipment are being resolved, large-scale construction of new facilities on farms has been launched (although many of them are still under construction or not stocked with livestock), and a number of steps are being taken to address personnel issues. Nevertheless, problematic issues largely remain. First of all, there is still no proper financial return, and the capacities of some enterprises are underutilized. In this situation, officials assure that more time is needed for a visible effect – to complete ongoing projects and utilize already built facilities, as well as to resolve a number of financial and personnel issues.
Overall, the President of Belarus is confident that the system of such associations is viable and capable of existing. Moreover, it is essentially nothing new; the integration of raw material production, processing, and product sales typically yields the expected positive financial result: "Therefore, this is the first step (integration of raw material production and processing. - Ed.). Add trade – the final version. This is a normal system that should have yielded results."
Subbotin spoke about when agro-industrial associations will begin to sustain and develop themselves
Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin summed up the results of the meeting with the participation of President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.
"It was determined two years ago, when this decree was adopted, that they should exist. But in what form they should exist and where to move forward - this movement requires adjustment, because everything around is changing. And the work itself - the structure - reveals certain problems," the governor noted.
Summing up the meeting, Alexander Subbotin said that some issues would require adjustments to the provisions of the presidential decree. Some issues can be resolved in other ways. "But as a result of everything: a foundation has been laid, and we state that the invested investments have not yet begun to bring us back income, money. Therefore, our primary task is to launch what has been done so that it starts working. Then this mechanism will begin to feed and develop itself," he said.
"Ambitious and tough tasks have been set." Brylo spoke about the future of the Vitebsk region's agro-industrial complex
The agro-industrial associations created in the Vitebsk region are viable, and ambitious tasks have been set for their development. This was announced today to journalists by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Igor Brylo.
"Quite ambitious and tough tasks have been set for all of us: to think about how to further reform and "decorate" these structures so that they work more effectively," the minister said about the results of the meeting with the head of state in Glubokoye.
In his opinion, for this, first of all, it is necessary to develop animal husbandry, which will allow replenishing the processing volumes of products at enterprises. In addition, attention should be paid to fodder procurement.
Igor Brylo noted that there are examples of successful agro-industrial complexes in Belarus, for example, the Dzerzhinsky and Snov agro-combines. But the structure of these enterprises was formed over several years, while similar associations in the Vitebsk region were created simultaneously, therefore they are currently experiencing certain financial difficulties.
"If we unlock all the reserves at each of the enterprises, then, of course, we can improve the financial situation. This structure is capable, but it also requires good managers with a deep understanding
agriculture, - he noted. - We hope that everything will fall into place and these structures will achieve positive performance dynamics."