Belarus' Agricultural Pattern: A Dominant Strategy

Belarus's agricultural sector is characterised by diversified agriculture, with a focus on both livestock production and crop production. The country's agricultural pattern is largely shaped by its history as a part of the Soviet Union, with about 90% of the land being farmed by agricultural collectives and the rest by private farmers. Arable land occupies more than half of Belarus, with 60% used for livestock and the remaining 40% for cultivating crops such as potatoes, grain, sugar beet, and flax. Belarus's main crop products include barley, rye, oats, wheat, rapeseed, and vegetables such as carrots, beet, and cabbage. In terms of livestock, the country produces pork, beef, and poultry, with a significant number of cows. The agricultural sector in Belarus faces challenges due to its slow land reform, the impact of the Chernobyl disaster, and a lack of investment, resulting in a decline in its contribution to the country's GDP over the years.

Belarus's agricultural pattern is diversified, with a focus on crop and livestock production

Belarus has a diversified agricultural pattern, with a focus on both crop and livestock production. The country's agricultural output can be divided into two main segments: livestock production and crop production, with the latter contributing slightly more to the country's overall agricultural output.

In terms of crop production, Belarus' main crops include barley, rye, oats, wheat, potatoes, flax, rapeseed, and sugar beets. Cereals and legumes, particularly barley and rye, account for 41% of the sown area, while crops for animal feed take up another 43%. Potatoes and vegetables occupy 11% of the sown land, and industrial crops such as sugar beets, flax, and rapeseed make up the remaining 4%. Belarus is a significant global producer of potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, maize, triticale, barley, apples, rye, rapeseed, and various vegetables.

Livestock production in Belarus focuses primarily on pork, beef, and poultry. The country has approximately 1.5 million cows, although milk yields are relatively low, producing less than 3,000 kg per cow per year. Belarus's agricultural collectives provide their workers with individual parcels of land for growing potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, and other crops to supply their kitchens.

The country's agricultural pattern is influenced by its cool climate and dense, fertile soil, which are well-suited for growing fodder crops to support livestock. The northern region specializes in flax, fodder, grasses, and cattle, while the central region focuses on potatoes and pigs. The southern region, with its marshy lowlands, is home to pastureland, hemp, and cattle.

Belarus's agricultural sector faced challenges in the early 1990s due to droughts and the transition from the Soviet era. However, the government has maintained control over agricultural policies and continued to support the large-scale farming model. The country's agricultural output contributes significantly to its economy, with agriculture accounting for 7.9% of GDP in 2013.

About 90% of the land is farmed by collectives, with the rest tenanted by private farmers

Belarus's agricultural landscape is dominated by collectives, with around 90% of the land being farmed by these groups. The remaining 10% is tenanted by private farmers.

This collective farming system is a remnant of the old Soviet system, where the state controlled the means of production. While other former Soviet countries have moved away from this model, Belarus has retained it. The country's land remains mostly state-owned, with private land ownership restricted to small household plots of up to 1 hectare.

The agricultural collectives give their workers individual parcels of land to grow produce for their own consumption. The collectives are vertically integrated, often having their own retail outlets and shops in nearby towns. They produce a wide range of goods, from bread and eggs to meat, milk, and cheese.

The private farms, on the other hand, tend to be larger in size, ranging from 1,000 to 7,000 hectares. These are found on better soils, often along the border with Russia, and their management is oriented towards Western practices. They produce commodities for further processing, with little to no vertical integration.

The Belarusian government has maintained control over key industries, including agriculture, and has rejected most privatisation efforts. This has resulted in a slow implementation of privatisation programmes and a hostile climate for private businesses. The agricultural sector, in particular, has been negatively affected by issues such as the abandonment of land due to Chernobyl fallout, the loss of the Russian market, and the use of obsolete agricultural machinery.

Despite these challenges, Belarus has a diverse agricultural output, with crops such as barley, rye, oats, wheat, potatoes, flax, and sugar beets, as well as livestock production, including pork, beef, and poultry.

Belarus's cool climate and dense soil are ideal for crops like wheat, barley, and potatoes

Belarus's cool climate and dense soil are ideal for growing wheat, barley, and potatoes. The country experiences mild to cold winters, with average January temperatures ranging from −4 °C in the southwest to −8 °C in the northeast, and cool, moist summers, with an average temperature of 18 °C. Belarus also has a relatively flat landscape, large tracts of marshy land, and many streams and lakes, making it ideal for certain types of crops.

Wheat is a major crop in Belarus, and the country has a long history of wheat breeding. Belarus's climate and soil conditions are well-suited for wheat cultivation, and the country has made significant progress in developing high-yielding and disease-resistant wheat varieties. The country's wheat yield ranges from 3.44 to 4.05 tonnes per hectare, contributing significantly to the country's food supply and economic output.

Barley is another important crop in Belarus, accounting for a significant portion of the sown area. It is well-adapted to the country's climate and soil conditions, and its production is vital for both food and animal feed.

Potatoes are also a significant crop in Belarus, with the country producing 5.8 million tons in 2018, making it the 11th largest producer globally. The cool climate and dense soil provide ideal conditions for potato cultivation, and potatoes have become an essential part of Belarusian cuisine and culture.

In addition to wheat, barley, and potatoes, Belarus also produces other crops such as rye, oats, flax, rapeseed, and sugar beets. The country's agricultural sector is well-developed, with crop production accounting for around 55% of gross agricultural output since 1995.

The agricultural sector suffered setbacks in the 1990s due to droughts and economic challenges

Belarus's agricultural sector faced significant challenges in the 1990s, with setbacks caused by a combination of droughts and economic difficulties. The impact of these issues was felt across both crop and livestock production, leading to an overall decline in agricultural output.

In 1993, agriculture and forestry accounted for almost a quarter of Belarus's gross domestic product and 6% of the total agricultural output of the former Soviet Union. The sector employed 20% of the country's labour force. However, the early 1990s saw a shift in agricultural policies, with the government choosing to maintain large-scale farming to utilise existing equipment and capital. Despite progress, the sector suffered a setback in 1994 due to a summer drought, which resulted in a 19% decline in the Belarusian crop. This drought impacted various crops, with wheat production decreasing by 35%, sugar beet production by 31%, and potato production by 29%. Animal products also saw an 11% decline, with a 2% decrease in the number of cows and a more significant 30% drop in the number of sheep.

The challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Belarus during the 1990s were further exacerbated by economic factors. During this period, there was a decline in the amount of land under cultivation, and a notable shift from livestock to crop production as crops became more profitable. Inflation and fluctuating prices created difficulties for many private farms, impacting preset contract prices, delaying payments, and affecting budget subsidies. The removal of direct budgetary subsidies to the agriculture sector and the deregulation of meat prices in 1993 added to the financial strain.

Additionally, Belarus faced challenges in international trade during this period. Food prices in Belarus were lower than in neighbouring countries, and the government maintained subsidies to keep prices affordable for its citizens. This led to increased informal exports of food, or "food tourism," from neighbouring countries, straining the country's budget. The agricultural sector also faced competition from other sectors, such as heavy industry, which benefited from the transition to civilian production after the Soviet era.

The cumulative effect of these setbacks resulted in a critical condition for the agricultural sector in Belarus by the mid-1990s. The government recognised the severity of the situation and provided special support in the 1995 budget. Despite these challenges, Belarus remained a net exporter of agricultural products, including meat, milk, eggs, flour, and potatoes, to other former Soviet republics.

The government supports agriculture with credits, subsidies, and price controls to ensure food security

Belarus's agricultural sector can be divided into two segments: livestock production and crop production, with the latter slightly outweighing the former in terms of gross agricultural output. The country's main crop products include barley, rye, oats, wheat, potatoes, flax, rapeseed, and sugar beets. In 2018, Belarus was the world's third-largest producer of triticale and the 11th largest producer of potatoes.

The government plays a significant role in supporting and regulating the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is the central government agency responsible for state administration and regulation in various areas related to agriculture and food production. The ministry works to improve economic policies and business methods, enable conditions for the development of the agricultural sector, and ensure food security for the country's residents.

One way the government supports agriculture is through the provision of credits and subsidies. The government provides financial incentives and investments to encourage agricultural production and improve efficiency. This includes raising investments, including foreign ones, and channelling them into agriculture, as mentioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Additionally, the government also regulates prices to ensure food security. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food aims to improve the availability of food for residents and stabilise prices. This involves managing the output and ensuring smooth marketing for agricultural products. The government's involvement means that farms do not have to seek markets or worry about marketing risks.

The government also ensures the quality of raw materials and food products, preserving and improving soil fertility, breeding, and providing veterinary medicine. The ministry also oversees seed growing, variety testing, quarantine, and plant protection. These measures contribute to the overall support and regulation of the agricultural sector in Belarus, ensuring food security and sustainable development.

Frequently asked questions