Nikolai Sherstnev discussed current issues of the region's agro-industrial complex development with the promising personnel reserve
"If you've started, you have to see it through" – with these words, the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, addressed the future managers of agricultural enterprises after discussing current issues of the region's agro-industrial complex development with them.
For two days, those included in the prospective personnel reserve for managerial positions in agricultural enterprises underwent training at the regional advanced training courses. Currently, they head various departments and work as specialists, so they need to gain broader experience, both theoretical and practical, be able to think strategically, make bold and necessary management decisions, and know how to implement them.
Nikolai Sherstnev has introduced the practice of personal communication with the reserve. The conversation took place in a "question-and-answer" format. Nikolai Nikolaevich communicated with the audience informally, striving to make these young people his like-minded colleagues, initiative-takers, competent, and believers in the success of the common cause.
The questions varied: from the problems of specific farms to certain approaches in state agrarian policy. For example, many agricultural enterprises lack livestock facilities that meet the requirements for producing products with minimal costs. What should be done?
-- There is a state program for the construction of large dairy and pig farming complexes, -- Nikolai Sherstnev replied, -- but the preferential loans provided for it will only be enough for 10 farms nationwide. Our region, where only 25 percent of livestock is kept in acceptable conditions, has developed its own algorithm of action. We will restore old premises using our own methods, with minimal costs. Funds for construction materials have been reserved at the district and regional levels, and proposals on the scope of work and the formation of repair teams are needed from the local level. We need to commission 150 premises within a year. In parallel, we will build 20 new (fully robotic!) complexes for 2,000 cows and 4 pig breeding farms. The work of a milkmaid is not valued anywhere in the world, but servicing the software complex of such a farm is a prestigious job.
Why does the dairy plant pay the collective farm for milk only at the end of the month, and even then not in full? Nikolai Nikolaevich suggested looking for the answer to this question from the position of a statesman. When milk production falls from year to year, the processor cannot load its capacities, and profitability decreases. It takes loans and increases its debt burden. The developed action program, with the signing of the Presidential Decree on the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Vitebsk region, will allow working from a clean slate by temporarily "cutting off" debts. The dairy or meat processing plant, in conjunction with raw material producers, will take care of paying wages to the entire collective, eliminate redundant workers along the entire chain, strengthen technological discipline, and increase capacity utilization. Then there will be enough funds to pay for raw materials, and once on its feet, the structure will be able to pay off its debts.
Questions were asked about the sources of mineral fertilizer procurement. There are none, and the sowing campaign is just around the corner. Noting that support measures will be provided, Nikolai Sherstnev primarily focused the farmers on strictly ensuring all technological elements in crop production. Fertilizers, with proper soil cultivation, selection of predecessors, and care work, should be applied precisely, with fractional top dressings. They alone will not ensure a high yield.
Discussions were not limited to production. Labor payment, conditions for retaining young professionals in rural areas, incentives, and career growth prospects were of equal interest to those gathered. Nikolai Sherstnev outlined the region's policy in these important areas. The main incentive for young people to work well and stay long is high wages. This is ensured by production results in fields and farms. Approaches to labor payment for certain categories, including young specialists, have been developed and communicated to the districts, and they must be applied. For a decent result, one must pay well! Distribution after educational institutions is already directed towards stronger farms, where, with diligence, young people can learn, grow, and not become disillusioned with their profession. We will improve the social sphere in the largest settlements and promising agro-towns, as attempts to preserve life in every village are doomed to failure due to economic laws. Resources will simply not be enough.
Summing up the conversation, the head of the region noted that he intends to hold similar meetings more often and in a broader format in the future.
-- Since we are betting on youth, we must develop a unified and clear strategy for joint actions, -- he said. – And if a person takes on a task, they must see it through. You will not gain experience like that anywhere else as you will in agriculture. The village is in worse conditions compared to other sectors. We need to improve them, learn to achieve guaranteed results. And then you will be the most respected people in society.