In the Vitebsk region, it is planned to increase the cultivation of flax-dolgunets by 7%
Flax growers of the Vitebsk region aim to increase flax straw production to improve the capacity utilization of the region's flax mills. In this regard, the task for 2019 is to produce at least 48 thousand tons of high-quality flax straw, which is 11% more than the harvest of 2018 and 20.3% more than in 2017. The gross harvest is to be ensured by increasing sown areas, as well as by increasing the yield on average across the region to 40 c/ha (in 2018, this figure was 33 c/ha, including 46.8 c/ha at OJSC "Dubrovno Flax Mill", and 52.3 c/ha at OJSC "Bobrovo-Agro"). To achieve this, it is necessary to carry out the sowing campaign qualitatively within 2 weeks or sow a thousand hectares daily, which is possible with a two-shift work organization using new equipment. The largest areas of flax-dolgunets are to be sown in the raw material zones of Orekhovsky (3.6 thousand hectares in Orsha and Tolochin districts) and Dubrovensky (2.8 thousand hectares) flax mills.
The task of minimizing losses during flax harvesting, which should be completed no later than August 15-20, remains relevant. At the same time, 2.6 thousand tons of seeds are to be collected to reduce the volume of resources tied up in their purchase. Issues of scientific and technological support for growing flax-dolgunets have been worked out.
The renewal of the industry's material and technical base will continue with the support of the regional budget. It is planned to purchase more than 200 units of equipment, with part of the funds allocated for the purchase of seeds, fertilizers, plant protection products, and the preparation of the machine and tractor fleet. Approximately Br7 million has been allocated for these purposes. Flax cultivation is carried out in ten districts of the Vitebsk region. More than 4.5 thousand people are employed in the industry. There are 8 flax mills, 14 flax-sowing farms, a flax seed station, and the Flax Institute is based here.
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