Lukashenko: There’s no sovereignty without food security

If a country can't provide itself with food, it can hardly be considered sovereign and independent. This is why Belarus has paid increased attention to the development of agriculture, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Russia’s Perm Territory Governor Dmitry Makhonin in Minsk on 28 July, BelTA has learned.

"We have preserved the agricultural industry. Not because I once worked in agriculture. I've worked in a lot of places. That’s not the point. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, people were starving, there was nothing to eat. If a country cannot provide itself with food, it can hardly be called sovereign and independent and its survival is questionable. That's why we paid so much attention to some industries. We have preserved our traditional economic sectors, partnerships, research capacity. We have done a lot to feed and clothe people. Hence the focus on agriculture. This is the main reason: to feed and clothe people. Therefore, we have learned to produce many things, achieved a lot," the head of state said.

Belarus, if necessary, is ready to share relevant experience and developments, such as dairy complexes, fattening houses, poultry farms, with Perm Territory. "We are ready to offer you anything you are interested in," Aleksandr Lukashenko assured.

The head of state noted that Belarus is implementing joint projects in agriculture on Sakhalin and in Amur Oblast. Perm Territory is much more closer. "Please have a look at agriculture, and, most importantly, at agricultural mechanical engineering. We have a full complex, related services. If you are interested in personnel training, we are ready to assist with it too. We are ready to show you our achievements not only in mechanical engineering but also breeding, selection. We have preserved it, we have not ruined it," the president noted.

He informed that just the other day he discussed the situation in agriculture with the government in order to add momentum and to prevent backwardness both in terms of the development of the main sectors and in terms of personnel.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also drew attention to the plans of Perm Territory to hold a regional agrarian forum. The Belarusian side is ready to pitch in, having many years of experience of hosting the international agro exhibition Belagro. "In this regard, we are ready to work with you and participate in the organization of the forum," the president said.