Vitebsk region is expanding the sown areas of legumes, rapeseed, and perennial grasses

Vitebsk region expands sowing areas for legumes, rapeseed, and perennial grasses

The Vitebsk region is changing the structure of its sown areas, increasing the sowing of legumes, rapeseed, and clover. This was reported by the Committee for Agriculture and Food of the Regional Executive Committee.

A work plan for spring field work has been approved in the region, and the structure of sown areas has been formed. The grain group has been maintained at practically the same level as last year – 398.5 thousand hectares, or 47.1% of the structure. At the same time, with the aim of providing livestock with protein feed, it is planned to expand the sowing of certain crops.

"Legume areas will be increased by 25 thousand hectares. Thus, 60 thousand hectares will be sown this year (mainly hairy vetch). We are increasing the areas under rapeseed to 106 thousand hectares, including planning to sow 70 thousand hectares of spring rapeseed and re-sow 100% of fields with winter crops that have died off with this crop. In total, the region's rapeseed area will expand by 30 thousand hectares. It is planned to increase the area of perennial grasses on arable land by the same amount – they will occupy 197.4 thousand hectares. All this year's sowing will be carried out with clovers. However, corn is being reduced by 10 thousand hectares – 82.7 thousand hectares are allocated for this fodder crop. The reduction is due to the high price of seeds and the high cost of fodder units," the committee reported.

Rapeseed meal is a source of feed protein for animal husbandry, specialists explained. And in the near future, it is planned to expand the sown areas for the oilseed crop to 160 thousand hectares. The Vitebsk oil extraction plant is addressing the issue of providing seeds and protection products. Also, with the support of the Belgospishcheprom concern, the plant is independently starting to cultivate rapeseed in the Orshansky and Tolochinsky districts. Potato and vegetable fields are planned to be concentrated in farms that have storage facilities, equipment, and appropriate technologies. The total sown area of agricultural crops in the region will be 846 thousand hectares this year.