Markevich: Belarus and Russia are focusing on the rational use of land and forests
14:40, 2 October
Photo: soyuz.by
On October 2-3, 2025, the regular meeting of the permanent seminar of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia on the development of the Union State will be held in Minsk. The topic of the meeting is "Rational Use of Land Resources as a Factor in Food Security of the Union State," reports a Soyuz.by correspondent.
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The agro-industrial complex is one of the leading real sectors of the Union State's economy and plays a key role in food security for the populations of both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.
As Ivan Markevich, Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly's Commission on Agrarian Issues, noted, the security concept inherited from the Soviet Union, where the rational use of resources and environmental protection were considered strategic interests, remains relevant for modern Belarus and Russia.
"To achieve high yields, we need to find a balance between the use of mineral and organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers will help us balance the soil structure," he stated.
At the same time, the deputy pointed to the problem of abandoned agricultural land, which is relevant to both countries. "A lot of land is neglected. We shouldn't be shy about saying this," Markevich noted, calling for efforts to return these lands to agricultural use. As incentives, he proposed tax breaks and favorable lending for efficient agricultural enterprises.
It was noted that efforts are underway in Belarus and Russia to improve land legislation.
"The initiative to create a unified federal map of agricultural lands is also of great interest. This system, which includes up-to-date data on the boundaries and characteristics of agricultural lands, should improve the efficiency of resource management," the speaker noted.
The deputy praised achievements in livestock farming, noting that Belarusian and Russian products, such as steaks and domestic ham, compete successfully in the market.
Forestry was a separate topic of discussion. Markevich called Belarus and Russia "forest powers" and urged them to pay close attention to preserving and restoring forests and combating illegal logging. "Restoration takes decades, even hundreds of years. Without it, the balance will be disrupted," he emphasized. Despite sanctions and the loss of a share of the European market, the countries have found alternative sales channels, including in China and Azerbaijan.
In conclusion, Ivan Markevich expressed confidence that close cooperation between Belarus and Russia in the agricultural and environmental spheres is the key to strengthening food security and the sustainable development of the Union State.
