In order to ensure uninterrupted supply of vegetables and fruits to the residents of the Vitebsk region, a stabilization fund has been created in the region for the inter-seasonal period of 2012-2013.

The regional executive committee has instructed to maintain the volume of potato and vegetable (cabbage, carrots, beets, onions) storage at last year's level, and to increase fruit storage by 1.3 times. At the same time, the storage volumes stipulated by the regional executive committee's decision exceed those approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus: for potatoes – by 2.8 times, cabbage – by 2.5, carrots – by 2.1, beets – by 1.8, onions – by 2 times, and fruits – by 2.8 times.

It should be noted that the necessary volumes of potatoes, carrots, beets, onions, and fruits are secured in the Vitebsk region. An analysis of crop production sales in the previous off-season period allows us to conclude that the vegetables stored will ensure uninterrupted trade until June 2013.

The Vitebsk regional union of consumer societies has 18 storage facilities for potatoes and fruit and vegetable products with a capacity of 7.9 thousand tons, of which 5 are equipped with a microclimate control system. The storage capacity allows for the placement of only 37 percent of the products from the target set by the Vitebsk regional executive committee (21.4 thousand tons). The remaining vegetables and fruits are stored on farms and will be supplied to trade as needed.

In addition, the board of the Vitebsk regional union of consumer societies is carrying out specific work with citizens who have personal subsidiary plots. This year, more than 80 percent have been surveyed. Surplus products identified among the population include: potatoes – 5 thousand tons; vegetables – 3.8 thousand tons; fruits and berries – 7.9 thousand tons. 5.8 thousand contracts have been concluded for the supply of products to consumer cooperatives.

Prepared by Elena SYS.
"VR"