The task of stocking food in Belarus's stabilization funds has been overfulfilled by 2-3%

November 16, Minsk / Tatyana Lobas - BELTA /. Belarusian trade enterprises have exceeded the target for stocking food products in stabilization funds for the off-season period by an average of 2-3%, the Ministry of Trade informed a BELTA correspondent. According to the government decree, the republic's regions coped with the task of stocking food for the off-season period by November 15, as planned. All food procurement volumes were agreed upon with the regional executive committees and the Minsk City Executive Committee. Based on the established level of food resources in the previous, off-season period of 2008/2009, the current volumes will ensure uninterrupted trade in vegetables, potatoes, and livestock products during November-May 2010. Thus, 58.9 thousand tons of potatoes were stocked this season, against a plan of 57.1 thousand tons, meaning the target was met by 103%. Vegetable stocks amounted to 65.9 thousand tons instead of the planned 64.5 thousand tons, with the target met by 102%. Specifically, 29 thousand tons of cabbage, 14.6 thousand tons of carrots, 11 thousand tons of beets, and 11.3 thousand tons of onions were stocked for the winter, averaging 102-103%. Fruit stocking volumes were exceeded by 3%: 10.3 thousand tons were stocked against a plan of 10 thousand tons. The Ministry of Trade noted that all regions successfully coped with the task of stocking crop production. However, trade enterprises in the Vitebsk region stocked the most potatoes and vegetables for storage. For example, the target for stocking potatoes was exceeded by 17%, carrots by 14%, onions by 12%, and beets and fruits by 7%, which is significantly higher than the national averages. The Vitebsk region is increasing the volumes of potatoes and vegetables stocked, considering its specifics as a border region, thereby creating potential prerequisites for product export. The task for stocking livestock products was fully completed. For the 2009/2010 off-season period, as planned, 1.8 thousand tons of butter, 1.1 thousand tons of hard rennet cheese, and 2.2 thousand tons of dry milk were procured. Cottage cheese stocks amounted to 40 tons, which corresponds to the level of previous years. 1053 tons of pork were also stocked against a target of 850 tons, which is 24% more than planned, and 1021 tons of beef, which is 2% more than planned. Meat is stocked only in the stabilization funds of Minsk to ensure uninterrupted supply of this product to the retail trade network of the Belarusian capital during the off-season. The Ministry of Trade noted that wholesale and retail prices for products stocked in stabilization funds are currently being established in the regions. -0-