In the Vitebsk region, they plan to double the sowing of hybrid rye
The Vitebsk region plans to double the sown area of hybrid rye. This was announced by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, to journalists, in response to a question from a BELTA correspondent, following a republican conference call on crop harvesting.
The cultivation of hybrid diploid rye is already underway in almost all districts of the Vitebsk region. Currently, it occupies 10,000 hectares. "This year, we want to increase the sown area of hybrid rye to 20,000 hectares. If we manage to sow just 60,000 hectares of rye, then a third of it will be hybrid," said Nikolai Sherstnev.
The governor noted that five years ago he started working with this crop on literally one hectare. "Hybrid rye is much less demanding on production conditions and soil fertility, and it withstands dry weather. It has higher yields than other crops. In fields where the technology is followed, yields range from 60 to 80 centners per hectare, but there are examples where it reaches 100," added the chairman of the regional executive committee. Nikolai Sherstnev emphasized the importance of hybrid rye for utilizing flour-milling production during the winter period.
"Rye flour is in demand in other countries. The volumes we produce are insufficient to meet the needs of these countries," added the governor. Today, a republican conference call was held on crop harvesting issues.
During the call, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, drew the governors' attention to the good quality of hybrid rye and its resistance to weather conditions, and suggested adopting the experience of the Vitebsk region in cultivating this crop.