Posted: 22.12.2023 10:14:00

Deputy: Belarus’ technologies in demand in Africa

In November, Belarusian delegations consisting of representatives of various ministries and departments, including the Agriculture and Food Ministry, made working visits to Egypt and Equatorial Guinea. Deputy of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly, Director General of the Scientific and Practical Centre for Agriculture at Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences, Sergei Kravtsov, took part in both missions, and now shares some observations and conclusions.

Talking about work in Egypt, the expert noted that our partners were primarily interested in potatoes.

“In previous years, the first harvest of Egyptian potatoes was also brought to Belarus in early spring,” recalled Sergei Kravtsov. “But its taste was different from what we are used to. That’s why business is interested in our seeds, and agreements have already been concluded for variety testing. Some seeds, including cereals and grain legumes, have previously been provided and assessed in Africa. If crops ripen in our climatic conditions, then in ‘paradise’ conditions – where three harvests are reaped a year – the potential is even higher. We’re also expected to provide other samples.”

Secondly, Egyptians are keen on our agricultural machinery, especially processing machinery – necessary for sorting, processing and packaging of potatoes and other vegetables.

“For the entire period of exploitation of African countries, the EU has given them practically nothing in terms of technology,” noted Sergei Kravtsov. “The Europeans built only two factories, one of which was engaged in the production of... license plates for vehicles. The plans of the Belarusians and Egyptians are to set up a plant for the production of tractors. Equatorial Guinea is also interested in technology. We need to establish production in Egypt – designed for the whole of Africa.”

According to the deputy, the technologies of our processing industry also enjoy popularity.

“Thanks to them, we deliver milk powder anywhere in the world, and it retains its vitamins and biological value,” said Sergei Kravtsov. “Food can be produced locally: from whole milk to butter, cheese and candy.”