MINSK, 18 November (BelTA) – Brest Oblast has achieved exemplary performance in agriculture. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the relevant statement during a solemn assembly held to honor top agribusiness performers, BelTA has learned.
The head of state made a few comments after presenting orders and medals and praising this year's achievements of agricultural workers during the official ceremony. In particular, he mentioned several lingering drawbacks: “We have finished the agricultural year, all in all. But [Agriculture and Food Minister Igor] Brylo, [the deputy prime minister in charge of overseeing agribusiness Leonid] Zayats, and you have yet to gather in half a percent of corn in the field. This is why I think you will do your best. Although very little is left to harvest. We may not even need this corn. Although we can always use some. You will gather it in. Not a big deal.”
Speaking about current snowy weather, Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that Belarusian agribusiness operates in a risky farming area and almost in a critical farming area at times. “It will be a good lesson for our oblast governors. I think including for Grodno Oblast, which is surprising. Draw conclusions out of it,” the head of state said.
The president also reminded that a small percentage of land has yet to be ploughed ahead of spring sowing. He said he expects that weather will permit this work at the end of autumn or at the beginning of the calendar winter.
“Maybe except for [Chairman of the Brest Oblast Executive Committee] Yuri Shuleiko in Brest Oblast. He did a good job. Brest Oblast as a whole did. I don't want to give them too much praise. They have done better than an excellent job this year. Simply outstanding people!” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.