Nikolai Sherstnev: in 2020, the reconstruction of at least 180 agro-industrial complex facilities is planned in the Vitebsk region
The results of the Orsha integration structure's work for 2019 were summarized at the plenary session.
Maxim Bakurov, Deputy General Director of OJSC "Orshansky KHP," reported that a positive trend is observed within the structure:
– Gross production for 2019 amounted to 103%. We worked with a surplus, although not the one we expected. The growth rate for 2020 should be at least 110%. Now, the most important thing that the chairman of the regional executive committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, is focusing us on is creating optimal conditions for livestock farming. Significant work has been done in this direction over the past year. This primarily concerns the construction and reconstruction of livestock buildings and premises, and farms. In 2020, we intend to build at least four facilities using wooden structures on a self-financing basis and re-equip 19 premises with minimal costs.
Maxim Bakurov noted that 2019 was a year of formation for the integration structure.
– A positive trend is evident in every aspect, – he emphasized. – This includes construction and production efficiency. Everything in the structure is interconnected – grain production, feed production, crop cultivation, and the subsequent processing of products that enter our own retail chains. We have closed the loop, and no one has come up with a better solution yet. This year, we expect more significant dynamics.
Continuing the topic, Nikolai Sherstnev noted that in the Vitebsk region, it is planned to reconstruct at least 180 agricultural enterprises' facilities in 2020, as there are many unused premises that are 30 years old or more. A program will be developed for each district and each agricultural organization for this purpose.
– The situation is not simple, – stated the head of the region. – We cannot achieve technological livestock maintenance and the necessary productivity, so we have drawn certain conclusions from the experience gained in individual agricultural structures.
Nikolai Sherstnev emphasized that through fast, cheap, and high-quality construction, old premises should be brought into a technological state, creating conditions to achieve maximum efficiency and thus reverse the situation.
In turn, the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Anatoly Khotko, noted that economics in agriculture is paramount.
– The leadership of the Vitebsk region correctly emphasizes technology – it is the foundation, – indicated the head of the department. – There are many positive examples in the Vitebsk region that characterize its capabilities. And what we can do today with minimal costs, we should do – the resources are available. The reconstruction of old premises or the construction of quickly erected facilities is logical and has positive experience in other regions of the country.
It is not by chance that another topic for discussion was the types and kinds of structures for the modernization, reconstruction, and erection of facilities for cattle maintenance.
The chairman of the district executive committee, Igor Isachenko, reported on the specific steps being taken by the Orsha district in the construction and reconstruction of livestock facilities.
– We have assigned organizations in the region to assist farms in the construction and restoration of livestock premises through sponsorship, allocation of construction crews, equipment, and materials. An inventory of all facilities in the district has been carried out. Based on its results, we have determined that 16 facilities need to be reconstructed and 14 new ones built.
The head of the district noted that this work began last year, and much has been done in this direction.
Concluding the constructive conversation, the Assistant to the President – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region, Anatoly Linevich, addressed the participants:
“There is nothing worse than waiting and catching up. This applies to the Vitebsk Region, which has to catch up with Brest, Grodno, and Minsk regions in terms of livestock facility construction. And what the head of the regional executive committee is now orienting you towards is the right step. Each of the chairmen of district executive committees needs to pay close attention to the situation in agricultural enterprises today. After all, some of them are not paying wages, and this is your number one task. You, together with the farm managers, must be on the farms and sort things out, establish order.”
Participants of the regional field meeting visited livestock facilities in the Orsha, Tolochin, and Dubrovno districts, studied how to reduce construction costs in practice, and looked at different types of structures.
For example, at the dairy farm in the village of Romashkovo, Tolochin district, two new calf-rearing facilities were demonstrated. The farm management approached the issue of bringing old unused premises into economic circulation competently. Now, these are ventilated, dry, and comfortable calf-rearing facilities based on wooden structures. Each calf has an individual stall on slatted floors, not concrete. As a result, there is 100% survival and monthly weight gains of 850 g.
“This is something everyone can do,” said Nikolai Sherstnev. “All you need is the desire, wood, slate, and hands.”
Livestock premises made of lightweight structures were demonstrated at UP “Nadezhino” in the Tolochin district. Adapted structures, built by the farm’s own efforts, were viewed at OJSC “Zadrovye,” UP “Zadneprovsky,” and SHF “named after Smirnov” in the Orsha and Dubrovno districts.
Summing up the meeting, the chairman of the regional executive committee emphasized once again that through fast and inexpensive construction, it is possible and necessary to change the situation not only in animal husbandry but also in the agricultural economy as a whole.
– We need to take a comprehensive approach and resolve the issue within this year, no later than that, – stated the head of the region. – Increase the cattle population, technological weight gains, and gross production. This will lead to increased capacity utilization at processing plants, and consequently, improve the economy and the connection between producers and processors.