Belarus committed to assisting Equatorial Guinea with development of agriculture

Belarus is committed to assist Equatorial Guinea with development of a modern agricultural sector, Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Sergei Bartosh told journalists in Malabo, BelTA has learned.

Equatorial Guinea currently imports almost all of the food consumed in the country, with the exception of a few items traditionally grown in the country. The current situation in the world, including lockdowns during the recent pandemic, the subsequent disruption of supply chains, requires measures at the national level to ensure food security. That task is also important in view of Equatorial Guinea's aspirations to achieve economic independence. Belarus is ready to offer comprehensive solutions to create a modern agricultural sector in the country.

Sergei Bartosh said that some time ago Belarusian specialists had already begun to study the soils in Equatorial Guinea both on the islands and on the mainland of the country. This is necessary to determine the composition of soils and, based on this data, select the optimal set of crops for cultivation and the required mineral fertilizers.

"We agreed to set up a laboratory here in the first half of next year and teach their specialists the technology of determining the soil composition," the minister said.

The results so far are very encouraging. The humus content in the samples selected by Belarusian specialists shows that even the worst soils in Equatorial Guinea correspond to the best in Belarus. Only minerals are lacking for the full-fledged cultivation of crops. In this regard, Belarus can be of help and can supply the necessary fertilizers.

Another advantage is warm and humid equatorial climate that enables the country to receive up to four harvests per year. This means that even with less agricultural land per person, the amount of agricultural products can also be the same as in Belarus.

“The country is hospitable. People are very friendly to us. They seek cooperation with us. I think we will succeed. We have a full understanding of what needs to be done here and how. The crops we cultivate are also suitable here,” Sergei Bartosh said.

The number one plan is to make the suitable areas ready for agriculture. The second thing is to teach local workers and specialists how to grow crops. We are talking about modern technology with the use of mineral fertilizers, plant protection agents. After all, the climate, which is favorable for vegetation, also creates conditions for various diseases and pests.

“They also expect our help in building a poultry farm. One will raise broilers with a total number of 20,000 head. Another farm will produce eggs. They want these poultry farms to be provided with fodder produced at a plant built with our help. Accordingly, all this needs the necessary amount of crops,” the minister shared details.

There are also intentions to build an agro-town. A center for training local specialists is also under consideration.

“In order to work here, we also need to supply agricultural machinery. We already know the whole list of equipment that is needed here. All that remains is further cooperation,” Sergei Bartosh added.