Lukashenko sets tasks for fruit industry

Belarus should provide itself with fruits of its own production, primarily apples, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he visited a fruit farm in Molodechno District, BelTA has learned.
“We need to stop prioritizing imported apples. We need to have our own apples. We need to produce enough to meet our needs. Our market demand for apples is huge. We need storage facilities. We need to have our own,” the president said.The president gave the following instruction to Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Aleksei Bogdanov: “We need your help. You should know exactly how much the country needs and how much the market can consume.”The task is not only to meet the country's needs, but also to produce extra for export.

Aleksandr Lukashenko pledged to actively support the domestic fruit industry, including by allocating additional land to this farm. “We can allot as much as 1,000 hectares,” he said.

“Sanctions are a time of opportunity,” the Belarusian leader remarked.

Aleksandr Lukashenko urged to develop a fruit growing program based on the needs and capabilities of producers: “Let's have a specific program. He wants to expand by 300 hectares. Maybe more. We'll meet with these people, ask what they need, and resolve the issue once and for all.”

By the way, the farm near Molodechno is already branching out into pear production. There are no large industrial-scale pear orchards in the country yet.

“All issues must be resolved immediately, as soon as possible. Without any delays,” the head of state demanded addressing officials.