On August 15th, during the solemn opening of the Call of Polesie International Festival of Ethnocultural Traditions in Lyaskovichi, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko spoke about the main goals and objectives of the second development programme for Pripyat Polesie, planned for 2025-2030, sb.by reports
The President reminded everyone that many recall a time when the region required assistance, “That’s why, fifteen years ago, we launched a programme to revive Polesie. Simple and clear goals were set — to create new jobs and modernise production. Most importantly, to enhance the quality of life for the people of Polesie. We should only see these people in swamps and wearing bast shoes in movies. And indeed, now they appear only in films. Much has been accomplished. And what I once promised you, we have fulfilled.”
Today, the President announced that the second development programme for Pripyat Polesie, covering 2025-2030, is already underway. Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted that this initiative requires substantial financial resources, saying, “Without significant funding, development is impossible, as it involves large sums of money. However, after considering your opinions and prioritising the interests of our state, we will concentrate on constructing what matters most to you — roads and bridges. Without these, progress cannot be made here. Some say we live on a swamp, but that’s not true. Fortunately, we have an abundance of water, something the world lacks, and we just need to manage it properly. This second programme aims to provide people with decent living conditions, good jobs, and fair wages. Important decisions will be made soon. We ask only for discipline, order, and hard work from you. The second Polesie development programme will create the most unique conditions necessary for the work and life of our Polesie residents.”
The President noted that during his working trip to the Zhitkovichi District yesterday, there was discussion about the need to mow the areas of land in the Pripyat floodplain, “I fully understand that this floodplain represents our future — not just for Belarusians, but possibly for all of Europe. The climate is becoming increasingly dry and hot, yet we have such a valuable resource here. That’s why yesterday, both the officials and local residents, including our farmer [Mikhail Shrub, the head of the farm enterprise], rightly said that the floodplain needs to be mowed. Otherwise, it will turn into a jungle that our children will never be able to enter.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko reminded about his directive to develop small-scale mechanised equipment for mowing floodplains, stating, “We need appropriate machinery. However, large, powerful tractors are not suitable for mowing floodplains, clearing shrubs, or growing grass there. Specialised equipment is necessary. Therefore, our programme must allocate funds for this machinery. We will increase the budget, but this equipment must be developed because we plan to build quality settlements and dairy complexes in this area. There are few people and no equipment, so farmers will continue to struggle as before. We need to improve living conditions. Our focus will be on agro-towns and large villages, which is very important for Polesie. People no longer want to live in swamps or isolated farms; they think about their children, who need education and support. This is only possible in large agro-towns like Lyaskovichi, where life should resemble that of a city. Then people won’t want to leave. Although I wouldn’t say that yet. God is with you here, and people are not fleeing to Minsk or other big cities. But we must plan for the future. The second programme should at least lay the groundwork for future development in this region and throughout Belarus.”
photo: www.belta.by
President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko has also instructed to consider the issue of irrigating fields, BelTA reports.
The Head of State recalled a conversation held the day before regarding the mowing of grass in river floodplains. This would not only provide additional fodder for livestock but also bring previously unused lands into agricultural production. This issue is especially relevant for the Polesie area, where the Pripyat River runs.
“These lands are reserves for the future and have access to water. If we irrigate the fields here, the harvest will be excellent,” Alexander Lukashenko stated confidently.
In this regard, he highlighted the importance of field irrigation. Considering Belarus’ abundant water resources, irrigation could address the problem of moisture shortages on farmland during dry periods. “We have many rivers, lakes, and swamps, yet we suffer when the rains don’t come. We should appreciate this and focus on irrigating the fields,” the President stressed.
