Lukashenko reviews agricultural report on harvest, winter crops, and food exports

The main topics of the report included the progress of harvesting and sowing, milk and meat processing, sales dynamics of food products, and measures to ensure livestock preservation.

The head of state was informed that the harvesting of grain and leguminous crops is in its final stage. Agrarians expect a significant increase in yield compared to last year's high level. Grain threshing, including rapeseed, is expected to reach 9 million tons, with a record rapeseed harvest anticipated at around 1.5 million tons.

Good prospects are also expected for corn grain, which is yet to be harvested, with a target of 2.5 million tons.

Thus, the total grain harvest, including rapeseed and corn, will amount to about 11.5 million tons. Grain deliveries under state orders are ahead of schedule and are planned to be fully completed by September 1.

High yields are also expected for other crops — sugar beet, flax, and vegetables. The country's population will be fully supplied with essential goods during the off-season.

At the same time, regions are actively engaged in sowing winter crops. Yuri Gorlov separately reported on the situation in the Vitebsk region, where good progress has been made despite more northern conditions — winter rapeseed has already been sown on 83% of the planned area.

Regarding livestock, the report emphasized adherence to technological and operational discipline and measures to reduce cattle mortality. Gorlov assured that there is a positive trend in this regard. Several hundred calf rearing facilities will be commissioned by October. This year also saw a significant increase in forage reserves.

The President inquired about trends in agricultural processing, especially meat and milk, and the situation with food exports. The minister reported that the current growth rate of gross agricultural output is 113% compared to last year. Foreign currency revenue from sales has increased by about 25%, and foreign partners continue to show strong interest in Belarusian food products. Butter sales, previously accumulating in warehouses and criticized by the President, are now progressing at a good pace — sales volumes currently exceed production.

Thus, there are all prerequisites for exceeding last year's record level of $10 billion in food exports this year.