Issues of the development of the agro-industrial complex of the Vitebsk region and the holding of "Dazhynki-2021" became the main topics at the press conference of the chairman of the regional executive committee Nikolai Sherstnev
Farmers need to reduce their dependence on weather conditions. This was the leitmotif of the press conference held by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, dedicated to the development of the agro-industrial complex of the Vitebsk region and the holding of the regional festival-fair of village workers "Dazhynki-2021".
To achieve this, it is necessary to maximize the increase in the winter acreage of cereals and cruciferous crops, expand the procurement of grain fodder, and introduce new high-yielding forage crops. In particular, for the 2022 harvest, it is planned to sow 300 thousand hectares of winter cereals in the Vitebsk region (100 thousand hectares more) – traditionally, they account for the largest share of the gross grain harvest. 1.5 thousand hectares will be allocated for new varieties of winter barley, which yield up to 100 centners per hectare.
Another important aspect is the procurement of grain fodder. It not only provides livestock with quality feed but also reduces the accumulation of agricultural work during peak periods and decreases the costs of drying and grinding grain.
Assessing the results of the past harvest, Nikolai Sherstnev noted that the abnormal heat did not favor farmers not only in the northern region but also in the entire country. 780 thousand tons of grain were threshed in the Vitebsk region – much less than expected. However, the shortfall is not critical. Only a few tons are needed to fulfill the state order, and seeds will be fully stocked. The shortage of grain fodder for public livestock is compensated by perennial grasses and silage from corn, which is currently developing well.
Nikolai Sherstnev emphasized that the farmers of the Vitebsk region have fulfilled their duty to the people and the country. The sowing of the 2022 harvest is currently underway.
Treating machinery like a provider
Modern agricultural machinery has become stronger and more powerful. But its price is also corresponding. Therefore, the attitude towards it should be careful so that the unit operates for more than the standard ten years. There are many examples where, thanks to the conscientiousness of machine operators, tractors have been reliably working since 2008, saving significant funds for agricultural enterprises for the purchase of new machinery.
About private farmers
A month ago, the regional executive committee and Belagroprombank launched a pilot project "Development of Farming in the Vitebsk Region". Nikolai Sherstnev emphasized that the authorities and financiers are ready to support promising ideas from private farmers that will help increase production and benefit society. By the way, this applies not only to agriculture.
It is very important to have a proprietor on the land. In addition, it is easier for a farmer, unlike a state organization, to introduce new crops or technologies, which can then be transferred to large-scale production. For example, in the Shumilinsky district, the "Rodnik" peasant farm operates, where for many years an amazing crop with high protein content – Siberian pea shrub – has been grown. The peculiarity is that it grows in one place for up to twenty years without requiring care. Simply put, you sow it once and then come twice a year for feed. Siberian pea shrub can be grown on small-contoured, stony fields. There is an agreement with "Rodnik" that this year all seeds of the fodder crop will be sold only to farms in the Vitebsk region.
The Light of the Sunflower
According to Nikolai Sherstnev, it is imperative to expand the areas under rapeseed – an unpretentious cruciferous crop with early ripening periods. It allows for harvesting twice a year. Rapeseed is especially important for those farms that, due to a shortage of funds, cannot carry out the full range of technological work for rapeseed cultivation and consequently get low yields.
Recently, Nikolai Sherstnev, together with his deputy Boris Efremov, visited the Mstislavsky district of the Mogilev region, where private farmers from Ukraine grow sunflowers. The high-protein plant is pleasing to the eye, and it can fundamentally change the rural economy. Also, with the aim of forming a feed base for livestock, it is necessary to more actively grow corn for grain.
LIVESTOCK FARMING: TODAY AND TOMORROW
Life itself is pushing Vitebsk region agrarians towards adopting modern livestock management technologies. There are two paths, and both are being implemented in the Vitebsk region. The construction of new high-tech complexes is work for the future, for shaping the industry of tomorrow. You won't get quick returns from them, but they must be built to master modern technologies and see the potential productivity of animals, believes Nikolai Sherstnev.
To achieve a rapid effect, a large-scale program for upgrading livestock facilities is being implemented in the Vitebsk region. A massive amount of information about the condition of such facilities is being accumulated, which allows for decisions on the feasibility of capital repairs, modernization, or replacement with new facilities made of prefabricated structures. The work is carried out under a simplified financing scheme (including self-financing) and commissioning. This has become possible thanks to the instructions of the head of state, under which the Vitebsk region has adopted a simplified mechanism for capital repairs, reconstruction, and modernization of livestock facilities, with the possibility of using own funds, budget funds, and attracting preferential loans. This will not require large expenditures, but a significant effect can be achieved.
As Nikolai Sherstnev noted, the program has been underway for the second year, and the results are already evident: where this work has been completed, animal productivity is increasing. In addition, this provides an opportunity to obtain technological organic matter, which positively affects grain yields. In other words, by improving the situation in animal husbandry, it is possible to give an additional positive impetus to the development of crop production, emphasized the head of the region.
— This will also significantly improve the working conditions of specialists, which in turn should increase productivity and, equally importantly, the attractiveness of work and the prestige of agricultural labor, — stated the head of the regional executive committee.
FINE-TUNING PERSONNEL ISSUES
Unfortunately, the agrarian profession is not considered prestigious, although in fairness it should be the opposite. This is a global trend. Nikolay Sherstnev acknowledges that the Vitebsk region is no exception in this regard. Moreover, there is an understanding that the personnel shortage cannot be eliminated in a year, even by raising salaries as high as possible. To confirm these words, the head of the region spoke about a peculiar experiment conducted at the Polotsk agro-industrial association. They announced job openings for specialists with a salary of about 5 thousand rubles. Several dozen calls were received, and even fewer people came for interviews. As a result, only one person was employed.
Therefore, the Vitebsk region is focusing not only on material motivation. The decision on an additional measure of social support for young specialists (veterinarians, zootechnicians) in the amount of 1 thousand rubles, which came into force on March 1, 2021, has received a wide response. This is an important, but not the only step. Agro-classes are being created in schools, and students gain an understanding of modern agricultural production only in strong organizations. Graduates of agricultural specialties are not assigned to weak farms. During their studies, they undergo paid internships only at the best enterprises. Nikolay Sherstnev also recalled another important aspect: young specialists of the Vitebsk region's agro-industrial complex have the opportunity to serve in the reserve instead of compulsory service.
Through these and similar measures, conditions are created at the very beginning of the professional path so that yesterday's graduates, dedicating themselves to the difficult agrarian labor, do not become disillusioned with their choice. Only by combining material and moral incentives is there a chance to reverse the situation with the retention of youth in rural areas, is confident Nikolay Sherstnev. In addition, word-of-mouth has already started working: specialists from other regions, learning about the decisions being made in the northern region, are changing their registration to Vitebsk.
According to statistics, the retention rate of graduates in the farms of the Vitebsk region has increased in recent years – up to 95% of young specialists remain to work according to their distribution. This means that the efforts are not in vain. However, Nikolai Sherstnev is concerned about another trend – a decrease in the number of applicants to agricultural educational institutions. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen career guidance work among schoolchildren, to psychologically prepare them for obtaining agricultural professions. And to popularize life in the fresh air in comfortable conditions, similar to urban ones – only such a comprehensive approach can yield results in the staffing issue.
"DAZHYNKI" – A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE
Every year, in preparation for the holiday of rural workers in the capital, "Dazhynki", it is planned to renovate at least 100 facilities, the list of which is formed three years before the festive fanfares. This primarily includes social infrastructure, housing, and the improvement of public gardens and parks. This ultimately creates a new quality of life and changes the appearance of district centers. It is no coincidence that foreign guests, participating in such holidays, pay tribute to the Belarusian experience of improving rural territories.
Shumilino was no exception. There is always a desire to do even more, but sometimes the financial aspect holds back. Nevertheless, no matter how difficult it may be, the practice will continue and the emphasis will not change – thorough renovation, not cosmetic "powdering". Moreover, when district centers host guests for the second round, due to previously completed work, it will be possible to make the cities even more beautiful, but at a lower cost, added Nikolai Sherstnev. Next in line in 2022 is Glubokoye, and for the next year – Sharkovshchina.