Belarus mulls switching to domestic poultry genetics

Lukashenko has set ambitious goals for the poultry industry, aiming for poultry production to reach 800,000 tonnes and egg production to reach 4 billion units in the coming years, a 20% increase compared to 2023.

However, in recent years, the industry’s production dynamics have been mixed. During a recent government meeting, Lukashenko voiced concerns over miserable growth in broiler meat production and a drop in output in the egg segment in 2023, not providing concrete figures.

Lukashenko was also alarmed by the rising poultry mortality rate in Belarus, which had jumped by 12% last year.

In the Mogilev and Homel regions, mortality soared by nearly 30%, Lukashenko said, attributing this to non-compliance with production technologies at the farms and breaking veterinary and sanitary rules. In addition, a lack of high-quality feed also played a role in rising poultry mortality.

Supply chain vulnerability

In addition, Lukashenko instructed the authorities to consider building a breeding centre in Belarus to move away from imported genetics. This is not the first time the task has been raised in Belarus at top government level. Belarus imports hatching eggs primarily from Europe, which regularly sparks concerns among industry officials over supply chain vulnerability.

“The meat segment of our poultry industry still depends on the imports of the parent flock. The key task is to lower this dependence and lower it in a revolutionary manner,” Lukashenko said, adding that the poultry industry has no alternative to imported hatching eggs and day-old chicks.

Conflict of interest

Lukashenko said that in the past, he ordered the establishment of a breeding centre for layer hens at the capacities of the Dzerzhinsky Agricultural Combine, one of the leading egg manufacturers in the country located not far from Minsk. He has not provided any details on the status of this project.

In the broiler meat segment, Lukashenko suggested that another approach is needed. The leading farms in the country must jointly invest in establishing a single independent complex.

“But before making a final decision, we must consider options with heads of companies. This is a common problem. Everyone has to invest a lot of money,” Lukashenko said, expressing an opinion that building an independent farm will prevent a conflict of interest between different market players.