February 15, 2012

Belarus targets 8.8 million tonnes of grain in 2012

Belarus plans to harvest 8.8 million tonnes of grain in 2012, Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich said.

The government has adopted all the necessary organisational and financial decisions for timely and successful sowing campaign.

Agrarians have been provided with mineral fertilisers and crop-protecting agents. Myasnikovich instructed that preference should be given to domestic plant-protecting agents.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mikhail Rusyi said that national agricultural companies are ready for the spring sowing campaign.

Issues regarding the provision of fertilisers, fuel and oil as well as financing issues have been almost resolved. Over BYR7 trillion (US$800 million) will be allocated to purchase fuel. National farms have been provided with sufficient amounts of seeds including elite varieties.

Mikhail Rusyi stated that winter frosts have not affected winter crops much. A contingency fund, however, has been set up.