Lukashenko urges to resume patronage programs in agriculture

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned the importance of patronage programs in agriculture during his visit to OAO Agrokombinat Yubileiny in Orsha District on 11 August, BelTA has learned.
The topic was discussed on Friday, 9 August, at a meeting held in Shklov to consider efficient development of agricultural production in the gross-forming Shklov and Orsha districts. 
“We talked about patronage. I believe that our plant [Orsha Aircraft Repair Plant] in Bolbasovo is underutilized. After all, there are enough personnel there. This plant should engage in patronage assistance.”Patronage assistance was discussed in respect to the two farms in Orsha District - Zubrevichi-Agro and Mezhevo-Agro. 
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that patronage assistance does not necessarily mean the allocation of financial resources: “Any equipment can be repaired at that base. They can help repair it. Restoring and repairing machinery means a lot.” According to the president, it is worth scaling up the best practices of Yubileiny, including the operation of its machine yards.
“The provider of patronage assistance needs to be a strong enterprise. I mean Bolbasovo. Zubrevichi is not far away. There is a lot to do there. The plant can send additional workforce, harvester operators, for example, to help during the harvest season. I am sure there are men there. At least some 2-3 persons. The plant itself will get some additional load. It is easier for me to support the plant. The plant in turn will get engaged in this work. You need to make it clear that the plant must provide patronage assistance,” the president said addressing Chairman of the Orsha District Executive Committee Igor Moroz.
In turn, the head of the district noted that, in general, the system of corporate assistance has been built well in the district. Even the successful Agrokombinat Yubileiny has three companies that provide assistance to it.
"Do you have any other patrons, do you?” the president asked Aleksandr Firsin, director of Agrokombinat Yubileiny. “It is time you work on your own.”
The head of state instructed the district authorities to revisit the issue: "It's up to you. Take a look at this matter again. The factories will be happy to have more work. It will be easier for you to work with these enterprises. Even if they are struggling, they still employ people.” Aleksandr Lukashenko is sure that it is possible to find smart people, to employ them for help with harvesting or something else.
"You sign a contract with them. Get a harvester ready for the harvesting season and so on," he gave an example.
The discussion on 9 August in Shklov also touched on this issue. For example, Shklov is home to the Spartak paper factory, a linen mill, the district service organizations and others. They may well take patronage of agricultural enterprises in terms of providing additional workforce if necessary. "They have the people. They can help. So keep, this patronage program in mind. It is up to the regional and district executive committees to decide who may take part in patronage programs," the head of state said.

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