Region

Gomel oblast farms increase milk production by 14 per cent in January-March

“Production of milk in the Gomel oblast public sector amounted to 123.7 thousand tons in January-March of 2006, or 14.1 per cent more as against the same period last year. Gross milk yield has increased in all regions of the oblast. The most considerable increase is registered in the Dobrush, Gomel and Svetlogorsk regions. Milk production here surged by 33.3, 26.8, 20.9 per cent correspondingly as compared with the first quarter of 2005,” informed head of the cattle breeding and pedigree business department of the oblast agriculture and food committee Alexander Lazuta. Productivity of dairy herds also increased in all regions. Average milk yield per cow in January-March amounted to 745 kilograms, or 106 kilograms more from the same period last year. In the Dobrush region average milk yield increased by 215 kilograms during the three months. According to Alexander Lazuta, the majority of farms of the oblast has sufficient fodder supply and will face no problems at the end of the winter period. However, about 50-60 farms have troubles with fodder reserves. In particular, they get fodder supplied from other farms: mixed fodder and oilseed meal. At present specialists have started surveying the areas under winter rye, which is to be used as a green fodder. According to the local information, these fields have survived the winter quite well. The forecasts on total loss of winter crops because of low temperatures are not confirmed. A cattle pasture season is expected to start April 20 and will comply with all technological standards. It will keep positive growth dynamics of milk production in Gomel oblast, considers Alexander Lazuta.