Gomel Oblast governor outlines harvest plans for 2026

This year’s harvest in Gomel Oblast is expected to yield 1.55 million tonnes of grain, including corn, Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko said during a nationwide video conference on the 2026 harvest campaign chaired by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 21 July, BelTA has learned.

According to the governor, agricultural organizations in Gomel Oblast are set to harvest 390,000 hectares of grains, legumes, and rapeseed this year. According to him, 954 harvesters, 99% of the fleet, are currently ready in the region. “All of them have passed technical inspections. The remaining units will be repaired by the end of the week,” the governor said.

“A total of 853 vehicles and tractors will be deployed for grain transportation. For grain drying, there are 193 grain cleaning and drying complexes, with 97% readiness today. Drying capacity stands at 60,000 tonnes per day,” said Ivan Krupko.

When asked by the president how many grain dryers in the oblast are currently not ready, the governor replied: five. “Most of them will be operational by the end of the week,” Ivan Krupko emphasized.

"In addition to dryers, we are also using grain crimpers this year. We have crimped 8,000 tonnes of grain, that’s five times more than last year. We purchased 60 crimpers last year, and this year we are putting them to full use,” the governor stressed.

The oblast’s grain drying infrastructure is capable of processing a day and a half’s worth of harvested grain, he said. “That is, we harvest 45,000 tonnes, and we can dry up to 60,000 tonnes of grain,” Ivan Krupko stressed.

According to him, all drying facilities for seed grain have been prepared, as well as 98% of those for fodder grain storage. “We have set up 186 teams for baling and hauling straw. We have clearly decided that 104,000 hectares, 27% of the area, will go for chopping,” the governor added.

A total of 4,516 people are involved in the harvest, including 1,099 harvester operators. “By decisions of the district executive committees, 415 additional people have been brought in. They are all working, including 138 on harvesters. These include industrial enterprises, sponsor organizations, forestry and land reclamation agencies. We’ve also coordinated with all law enforcement agencies. Military personnel, police, and the Emergencies Ministry are also on the job,” said Ivan Krupko.

He emphasized that work is proceeding according to plan across all fronts. “Overall, we have already harvested 114,000 hectares, that’s nearly 30% of the total area. We have practically finished harvesting winter barley, with only about 130 hectares left. We’ve threshed 132,000 tonnes, 28,000 tonnes more than at the same time last year. The yield is 28 centners per hectare. All districts have started rapeseed harvesting. We’ve harvested 50,000 hectares, 78% of the area. We’ve threshed 97,000 tonnes, with a yield of 19 centners per hectare, that’s 3 centners more than last year. We expect to finish rapeseed in about four days. The projected harvest is 130,000 tonnes, which is roughly 50,000 tonnes more than last year,” the governor said.

Speaking about the harvest outlook, Ivan Krupko said: “Overall, we expect 1.55 million tonnes together with corn. That is 100,000 tonnes more than last year’s level.” According to him, 110,000 tonnes will go toward seed, and 62,000 tonnes will be allocated for the state order. Livestock farming will be fully supplied according to demand.

“All the criticisms raised today are justified. 95% have already been addressed. They have been reviewed together with all relevant agencies and oversight services. I believe that within a week we will complete the more in-depth work to resolve these issues. Given 22 fair-weather days, the oblast will finish the harvest,” said the governor.

“I am watching Gomel Oblast very closely. Organize everything that is needed,” the president ordered.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also drew attention to the fact that the oblast has a new presidential aide. “He will advise you. His task is to bring all the experience accumulated in Grodno Oblast to Gomel Oblast. Technologically, you are very strong. Gomel Oblast needs to be organized so that it looks worthy. The main thing for you is discipline, order, and a system. With that, everything is achievable,” the head of state emphasized.