Vitebsk region farms increased the share of "Extra" milk in sales volume by 5 times in January-February

March 25, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Agricultural enterprises of the Vitebsk region in January-February of the current year increased the share of "Extra" grade milk in the total sales volume by five times. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the Committee for Agriculture and Food of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee. In January-February 2010, only 7.3% of milk sold by agricultural organizations to dairy plants was rated as "Extra". For the same period of the current year, the share of high-quality raw materials reached 37.4%. According to experts, the situation has improved due to strict adherence to technological regulations, balanced and sufficient feed. The production of quality milk is the key to the profitable operation of agricultural enterprises. In 2010 alone, losses from the sale of low-quality raw materials amounted to Br19.3 billion. For two months of the current year, lost profits due to low-grade milk are estimated at Br1.4 billion. The growth of milk marketability remains the main task for all agricultural regions of the region. Last year, the average milk marketability in the region was 82.6%, and only in five districts did it exceed 85%. According to experts' calculations, if the marketability were maintained at 85%, the districts could have additionally received revenue of Br17 billion. -0-