The dynamics of dairy farming development in Belarus

Abstract

The authors analyze the dynamics of the Belarusian dairy sector development within a period from 2016 to 2020 being one of the major internal and external market suppliers of milk and dairy products. Since 2011, per capita growth has reached 141 kg. Export opportunities are expanding as well. It is noted that provision of milk in this period has been stable, with the gross production reaching 7765 thousand tons of milk by 2020, or 828 kg per capita. With its share of 38,8 to 43,8% in 2016–2020, milk and dairy products were playing a leading role in the agricultural produce export ratio. The number of dairy cattle in the republic amounts to 1485 heads, as of 1st January 2021. National dairy facilities and milk industry capacities in general are being gradually renovated and subjected to technological improvements, which helps with increasing the output ration of the “extra” class milk. The industry’s needs in highly productive dairy cattle and pedigree livestock for export are well secured on account of 32 cattle breeding farms and 6 genetic selection centers. Dairy industry was given specific targets set out in the five-year program for a 2016–2020 period. During the National Programme implementation with regards to the dairy sector development, the goals set by the programme have been achieved by 90,4%.