Belarus has achieved the highest level of food self-sufficiency in the EAEU and this achievement should not be lost, Economy Minister Yuri Chebotar said at a joint meeting of the board of the Economy Ministry and the State Committee on Science and Technology, BelTA learned from the press service of the Economy Ministry.
Taking part in the meeting were representatives of the Agriculture and Food Ministry and the Belarusian state food industry concern Belgospishcheprom. The participants discussed the draft Development Strategy for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Production until 2035 and the Development Strategy for Confectionery and Oil and Fat Industries for 2026-2035.
According to Yuri Chebotar, these strategies are aimed at strengthening food security and increasing the use of the country's own raw materials. He emphasized that in order to thrive, agriculture and related sectors need to ramp up output, build more partnerships, strengthen positions in the domestic market and expand the geography of product supplies.
“Food security is our most important achievement and a source of great pride. Belarus now has the highest level of food self-sufficiency in the EAEU - 96%. As far as staple foods are concerned, we produce more than we currently need. And this trend must remain in place,” the minister said.
Another strategic area of work is in-depth processing of agricultural products and expanding their range. “The share of such projects in the investment portfolio of strategies should grow. These include projects based on the principles of the Comprehensive Forecast of Scientific and Technological Progress,” Yuri Chebotar emphasized.
The minister also spoke in detail about the role of automation, precision farming and digitalization. Their widespread use, along with rational and effective forecasting and planning, will contribute to the high-quality development of the industry.
