The state and prospects of Belarusian flax were discussed at a seminar in Glubokoye

The seminar discussed the serviceability of specialized equipment, optimal conditions for sowing and growing flax, the average cost of a ton of fiber, noting that 10 plants, including Mosarlen, have indicators below the national average. The production cost of a ton of grade #1 tow from the 2016 harvest is 253 rubles.

There are also issues regarding state orders. For example, last year 6 flax plants, including Verkhnedvinsk and Liozno, did not fulfill their state orders. This year, the plants in Brest and Mogilev regions are fully fulfilling deliveries of long fiber, and all plants except those in Grodno region are fulfilling deliveries of short fiber.

In contrast to enterprises whose production capacity utilization does not exceed 50%, there are 14 flax plants that operated with positive profitability last year. Among the seven plants that received positive results from fiber sales are Dubrovno Flax Plant and Mosarlen.

According to Oleg Ivanchik, Deputy General Director, Head of the Production, Processing and Sales Department of Flax Growing Products of RO "Belagromservice", in order for all flax plants to reach break-even operation, it is necessary to procure 180 thousand tons of tow with an average grade of at least 1.5, and to obtain 55 thousand tons of flax fiber. These indicators can be achieved if the average tow yield across the country exceeds 38 centners per hectare.

Currently, most of the sown areas are in satisfactory condition. However, specialists express concerns, citing unfavorable weather conditions and the prolonged sowing campaign. As noted by the participants of the meeting, the performance of each flax plant will be thoroughly analyzed at the end of the year with specific conclusions and proposals.

With a Shovel to the Flax Field

Impeccable adherence to the technology of growing and primary processing of flax guarantees success. The attendees cited new examples as an argument.

– I have been engaged in research on the cultivation of long-fiber flax since 2003, – said Galina Pirogovskaya, Head of the Laboratory of New Forms of Fertilizers and Soil Conditioners at RUP "Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry". – I can confidently say that one of the reasons for not obtaining the expected volume of products is the incorrect selection of soils. In most regions, this is undeservedly given little attention. However, research results show that with the same investment, yield varies on different plots. An optimal soil pH level, and the presence of the necessary amount of phosphorus and potassium are important for plants.

Svetlana Nekhvedovich, a researcher at the Laboratory of Protection of Fodder and Technical Crops at RUP "Institute for Plant Protection", suggested discussing in detail specific measures for growing flax in the field of OAO "Mosarlen". According to her, diseases most often manifest in the second half of the growing season. They can be identified by looking at the root system. Additional checks of the cultivated agricultural crop help to timely prevent undesirable consequences.

The Secret of the Old Factory

In recent years, OAO "Mosarlen" has repeatedly achieved the highest results among flax processing plants in the republic, despite being one of the oldest in the region. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of its founding.

During this time, it has changed its name 6 times and has been called OAO "Mosarlen" since July 1, 2013. Since the late 1940s, the enterprise has been located within the walls of an old noble stable. The production equipment, despite its long service life, works properly, including a heating boiler manufactured in 1956.

In the factory premises and on the territory adjacent to the enterprise, there is cleanliness and order. The head, Viktor Kezik, who has led the work collective for many years, invited flax growers of the country to tour the plant, which operates in three shifts.

– We have nothing special to surprise you with, – he noted, addressing the seminar participants. – Everything we have is the result of many years of cohesive work by the entire team. Thank you to the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolay Sherstnev, who provided assistance and support, including financial support in resolving current issues. The main thing in our work is to do everything on time, to work honestly and conscientiously.

In 1970, the plant workers managed to produce 1800 tons of flax fiber. This was the highest figure in the history of the enterprise. Last year, the flax yield was 45 centners per hectare. Mosarchane harvested 1.6 thousand tons of flax straw with quality above the regional average, which allowed for full utilization of the plant's capacity. Specialists hope to harvest a good crop this summer as well.

Diana BERNIKOVICH, photos by the author. "Vitebskiye Vesti".