MINSK, Jan 7 (BelTA/APP) : The Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture and Food has explained how agriculture will develop over the next five years in Belarus, BelTA learned from the press service of the ministry.
The Agricultural Industry of the Future state program for 2026-2030 was approved by Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Turchin.
“The adopted five-year development plan serves as a strategic platform defining the main areas of the development and improvement of Belarusian agriculture and is aimed at productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in domestic and foreign markets. The main goal is a high-performance of the agricultural industry,” the press service noted.
The program sets an ambitious yet achievable task for the industry: to create a system capable of steadily increasing the production of high-quality and affordable food while expanding export potential.
The program is based on three key performance indicators. The industrial production index is set to grow by 15% over the five-year period. The integrated food security index is set at not less than 1 each year, guaranteeing sufficiency in 10 staple food products: grain, milk, meat, sugar, vegetable oil, potatoes, vegetables, fruit and berries, eggs, and fish. A 30% increase in labor productivity in agriculture by 2030 is also envisaged.
“These figures become a benchmark for sustainable development, where growth is based on technology, knowledge, and effective management,” the press service stated.
The state program includes ten subprograms.
For instance, the Efficient Crop Production subprogram is aimed at improving soil fertility, developing seed production, import substitution in the fruit and berry industry, drip irrigation, and greenhouse vegetable farming. Consideration is given to creating a robust feed base for livestock development.
The Intensive Animal Husbandry subprogram targets increased production, technological advancement, and profitability. It includes the construction and modernization of facilities, taking into account the requirements of the President’s decree “On the development of the meat industry.” The focus is on productivity, animal health, and product quality.
The Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries subprogram is aimed at supplying the domestic market with fresh fish, reducing import dependency, and creating new jobs in the regions.
The Flood Protection and Land Reclamation subprograms involve investments in agricultural land infrastructure. Reclamation and water management facilities are to become a solid foundation for highly productive agricultural output.
In the processing industry, deep processing will be encouraged, from milk and meat to grain and potatoes. This will increase added value and enable access to new export markets with high-quality products.
The Overcoming the Consequences of the Chernobyl Disaster in the Agricultural Industry subprogram provides special measures for the affected regions: support for agricultural production, protective technologies, and socially oriented development of rural areas.
The Small-Scale Farming subprogram envisages legal, financial, and technical support for small producers. The introduction of precision agriculture, digital platforms, and automated management systems is embedded in the Digitalization of the Agricultural Industry subprogram. “From soil analysis to harvest accounting: everything will be digitalized,” the press service explained.
The Sustainable Development of the Agricultural Industry subprogram is an incentive for all areas: education, science, innovation, crop insurance, honoring top performers, and developing pilot projects with the participation of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. The subprogram is aimed at reducing dependency on state support through increased profitability.
“The Agricultural Industry of the Future program logically continues the Agricultural Business state program, completing initiated projects and enhancing the industry to a new level. The program’s activities will be implemented through regional executive committees and the Minsk City Executive Committee, taking into account regional specifics. All of them are provided with funding: state and local funds, as well as bank loans will be used. All areas are working together to strengthen the domestic market and expand the presence of Belarusian products abroad,” the press service added.