Lukashenko calls for major overhaul of Mogilev Oblast by next year

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko began his working trip to Shklov District with sharp criticism after his helicopter landed at the Govyady-Agro agricultural enterprise, BelTA has learned.

Flax was grown on this exact field this season, but the quality of the harvest leaves much to be desired.

“Were you trying to show how work shouldn’t be done? People should be jailed for this,” the head of state said. “Is this your idea of flax pulling? It’s terrible. I never expected this from you [the governor of Mogilev Oblast]. As for you [the agriculture and food minister and the president’s aide for the region], I suggest you stop theorizing and start taking concrete action. This is an absolute nightmare. We’ll look into this. Such things are unacceptable. Did you harvest this flax? No, you destroyed it.”

Addressing the officials, the president stated: “This shows that you only clear up the areas the president visits most often, or those right next to the highway. You never look into the remote corners. If you dared to land the president on a field like this, then the rest of your plots must be in an absolute state of horror.”

The head of state heard a report on the situation at Govyady-Agro, which recently brought in a new director. Officials reported that the farm generally has sufficient staff, specialists, and machinery, noting a request for only a few more high-powered tractors and harvesters. Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that while ordering the machinery is not an issue, the real question is how the farm intends to pay for it given its current performance. “Buy it. But what are you going to buy it with, given this flax harvest? There is no basic discipline here. If there is no technology compliance, why should we give you tractors and combines?” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president stated that he would continue visiting such remote corners, issuing a stern warning to officials: “Mobilize the entire region and get to work. Otherwise, this will be our last conversation.”

The head of state also pointed to the quality of plowing and soil cultivation, emphasizing that fields must not lie idle for years or become overgrown with grass. “Farming standards must be exceptionally high,” he stressed.

The head of state then arrived at the Govyady dairy complex – a destination he chose himself. He was briefed on the housing and veterinary care of the cattle, an area where the farm had previously faced severe issues. Shortages in home-grown feed had also been reported, leading to a drop in milk yields. Currently, the situation has been stabilized, and livestock mortality has been minimized. With a promising corn crop ahead, feed supplies are expected to improve significantly.

Aleksandr Lukashenko questioned Elena Mariutse, the head of the Govyady Dairy Complex No. 1, in detail about the situation and gave an overall positive assessment. “Well done. She understands the job and is in complete control of the situation,”the president said. 

Addressing Aleksei Ladnov, the newly appointed director of Govyady-Agro, the head of state offered several practical tips on how to manage and structure operations across the farm. “There should be no unearned wages here. If there is no discipline, there will be nothing,” the president emphasized.