The structure of sown areas in the region must be significantly changed, instructed the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Nikolai Sherstnev

— Of course, the region managed to stop the chain of problems accumulated over previous years, — noted Nikolai Nikolaevich, — but we cannot rest on our laurels. We need positive dynamics and serious results, both in crop production and in animal husbandry. The region has everything for this: competent specialists, modern equipment, good land. We just need to change our approach to work.

If in 2012 the region harvested 1 million 314 thousand tons of grain, then in 2016 — only 841.9 thousand tons. The cattle population decreased from 607 thousand to 546 thousand heads, average daily weight gains also decreased, and milk production decreased from 824 thousand tons to 756 thousand tons. While all regions of the country are increasing their calf population, Vitebsk region is also showing a decline in this area.

It is no secret that the basis of the entire crop rotation is a good predecessor for grain crops. Currently, 223 thousand hectares in the region are allocated for perennial grasses, which is 28 percent of the arable land. For comparison, in the Brest region, this figure is only 109 thousand hectares (13 percent of arable land), and it is also lower in other regions of the country.

When sowing land, the focus should be on winter crops, noted Nikolai Nikolaevich. In spring, field work is entirely dependent on weather conditions, which is especially noticeable in our region, the northernmost region of the country. Therefore, winter grain crops should be sown as much as possible in the autumn, with winter wheat predominating.

The Chairman of the regional executive committee emphasized the need to switch to imported varieties, with a priority on low-stemmed ones, as their productivity is much higher (around 21-23 percent). Special attention should be paid to growing hybrid rye. Its seeds are expensive, but the final result should eventually cover all costs (up to 200 thousand tons of this crop can be obtained). Hybrid rye is in high demand, including in the Russian Federation, so there should be no problems with its sale.

The Chairman of the regional executive committee instructed the heads of districts to change the structure of sown areas so that in each region of the oblast, a significant part of the land is occupied by peas. Of course, one can experiment with legumes and lupins. But will they yield as much as this crop? By increasing the areas allocated for peas, the oblast will provide itself with protein in abundance.

If the proposed structure is followed, it will be possible to obtain a full-fledged predecessor for grain crops, and the entire future harvest depends on this. This structure of sown areas has already been agreed upon with the head of state, and now it needs to be implemented in practice.

— This year should be a turning point for our oblast, the chosen strategy should lead to the desired result, so that Vitebsk region takes its rightful place among other regions of the country, — summarized Nikolai Sherstnev.

Svetlana LYUBOCHKA, "Vitbichi".