Milk production has almost doubled in 20 years. What is the state of food security in Belarus
April 11, Minsk /BELTA/. Over the past 20 years, grain production in Belarus has increased more than 1.5 times, sugar beet more than 2.5 times, and milk production has almost doubled. These figures were cited during a press tour dedicated to the issue of ensuring the country’s food security by Deputy Director for Scientific Work of the Institute of System Researches in the Agro-Industrial Complex of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Svetlana Kondratenko, BELTA reports.
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"Belarus has been a fully food-secure state for many years. At the core of this well-being is stable and sufficient domestic production and guaranteed accessibility of high-quality food products to the population at socially fair prices," said Svetlana Kondratenko. "Under the leadership of the President, our country has come a long way — from the revival of rural areas and restoration of production potential, beginning with the first state programs and steps to modernize and intensify sectors, to the creation of a modern high-tech agro-industrial complex that has taken a strong position on the global food market."
It was noted that in our country, the most important issues related to food security, support and development of the agricultural sector are under the control of the Head of State. As an example, Svetlana Kondratenko provided figures.
In addition to the indicators of growth in the production of grain, sugar beet, and milk in the republic over the past 20 years, there are also notable figures for self-sufficiency in key food categories. For example, for potatoes it is currently 111%, for vegetables and melons – 103%, meat – 135%, milk – 283%, eggs – 123%. On average per capita per year, the country produces 305 kg of vegetables, 438 kg of potatoes, 908 kg of milk, 139 kg of livestock and poultry for slaughter, 70 kg of fruits and berries, and 375 eggs. For comparison, the average per capita production in the Eurasian Economic Union is 275 kg of milk, 78 kg of livestock and poultry, and 302 eggs. As of the end of 2024, the contribution of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries to the country’s GDP was 6.9%. The agricultural sector received 14.6% of the total volume of investments in fixed capital in the republic.
"The achieved production level not only guarantees stability of the domestic market and accessibility of food for the domestic population, but also makes it possible to form an export potential and a significant contribution of the sector to the country's economy," added the Deputy Director. "Belarus consistently ranks among the top 5 exporters of dairy products and the top 15 exporters of meat and meat products. I would note that the global market environment is favorable for domestic producers: demand for food is growing, and new highly profitable niches are emerging. Considering the growing global trend toward a healthy lifestyle, our products will easily fit into the diets of residents of many countries, even those with the highest standards for safety and quality."
Svetlana Kondratenko considers a top priority for the Belarusian agro-industrial complex to be strengthening the competitive advantages of major national brands, actively promoting and positioning domestic products, expanding the geography of deliveries, developing new products, and ensuring deep processing of raw materials using modern technologies. Scientific support of the sector is also of great importance, she noted. New knowledge, technologies, and competencies lead to the emergence of high-yielding varieties and hybrids of crops, breeds of animals and poultry, the implementation of precision agriculture systems and digital technologies in livestock farming, the development of new methods for ensuring production safety, the mastering of biotechnology and deep raw material processing, as well as the creation of scientifically based forecasts and marketing strategies.
"The state comprehensively supports the development of necessary scientific research and development, stimulating innovation. The availability and use of our own breakthrough technologies and innovations in production will become a guarantee of successful competition on the global food market in the future," Svetlana Kondratenko concluded.