During a working trip to Vitebsk Oblast, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeyenko visited agricultural enterprises in the region and assessed farmers’ readiness for the upcoming spring planting campaign, BelTA has learned.

Among the farms the parliamentary speaker visited was OAO Knyazh in the agro-town of Germanovichi, Sharkovshchina District. The enterprise employs 171 people, 36 of whom are machine operators. Igor Sergeyenko toured the enterprise’s machinery yard, discussed with the director the quality and quantity of available agricultural equipment ready to work in the fields, and also inquired about what additional machinery is needed for planting and harvesting this year’s crops.

The enterprise specializes mainly in dairy production. “We have 3,200 head of cattle, including 1,300 head of dairy herd. We specialize in milk production and raise bulls for meat for the farm’s needs. The farm is fully staffed with specialists, including three veterinarians, livestock specialists, and engineers. The age range is diverse – there are young people, and pensioners are still working. As for the planting campaign, our soil is not ready yet, frosts persist. Where fields are accessible and the weather cooperates, we are already overseeding perennial grasses. Soon we will begin top-dressing winter grains. Regarding equipment, we have 42 units available, including four high-horsepower tractors, all are ready. We are just waiting for the weather to allow us to head to the fields. I think we will plant everything on time and without problems. I have worked in agriculture for a long time and know that spring planting is not the biggest challenge for farming. The hardest work will begin during feed harvesting and grain collection,” Director of the Knyazh farm Vladimir Budo told journalists, emphasizing that the enterprise will receive new harvesting equipment this year from the regional budget: two tractors, a harvester, and cultivators.

The farm director added that Igor Sergeyenko set future objectives, including completing the construction of a new 800-head milking complex. “We will also be building a 200-head calf nursery this year. Next year, after project development, we will construct a facility for dry cows,” Vladimir Budo shared his plans.

Igor Sergeyenko also visited several agricultural enterprises in Braslav District, where he inspected equipment readiness, checked whether there was enough fuel for the vehicles, and gauged farmers’ morale for the upcoming campaign.




Additionally, the speaker met with working youth and students in Sharkovshchina District. The chairman of the House of Representatives spoke about the legislative and international activities of MPs and their interaction with the population. He touched upon the national security, which is ensured not only by military personnel but also by law enforcement officers and rescuers. The young people learned about the difficult situation unfolding around Belarus and the measures taken by the state to protect its sovereignty and citizens.




Igor Sergeyenko discussed the country’s social and economic development, noting that laws in this area are aimed at improving the living standards of Belarusians, including in the regions. For instance, this year, gasification is planned to be completed in Luzhki and Germanovichi in Sharkovshchina District. The chairman of the House of Representatives emphasized that abroad, Belarusian products – agricultural machinery, foodstuffs, clothing – are known and highly valued, and for foreigners, the Made in Belarus brand is synonymous with quality. The parliament speaker also recalled that this year is dedicated to Belarusian women, and the protection of motherhood is of primary importance in the country.

The discussion with the youth was held as an open dialogue. Young people asked questions about the tasks for MPs during the five-year term and the most pressing issues concerning citizens who come to personal receptions. Igor Sergeyenko noted that rural areas face issues such as poor mobile network coverage and bad roads, and that land users have been filing complaints. He said that all appeals are analyzed to adjust laws at a high level.

The participants also discussed healthy lifestyle. A medical professional noted that the quality of life for the population, especially children, has declined due to lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and inactivity. She believes that schools need to explain to the younger generation what food is best to eat to stay healthy, why physical education is necessary, and how to maintain vigor and mobility into old age. The youngest participants asked if Igor Sergeyenko uses social media. He replied that he starts each working day with an information review, prefers official channels, and tries to stay updated on the latest events in the country and abroad. The speaker warned young people against fake news and urged them to analyze everything they read online.

“Vitebsk Oblast will begin the planting campaign next week. In fact, spring crop planting has already started in Glubokoye District. Today, I selectively reviewed how equipment preparation is organized on farms in Sharkovshchina District and Braslav District. What would I like to note? The teams are in a working mood, some even say they have missed the work and are eager to get out into the fields. Equipment readiness is around 95-98%. High-horsepower machinery, tractors, seeding units, and plows are ready. The snow is practically leaving the fields, though the soil is still wet. They are already fertilizing winter crops with appropriate preparations. Overall, the level of preparedness is high,” Igor Sergeyenko summarized his working trip.

"BelTA"