Lukashenko: Belarus has everything it needs for a timely and successful harvest
21.07.2026
MINSK (
BelTA) – The country has everything necessary to harvest the crop on time and to a high standard, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he summed up the results of a nationwide video conference on the 2026 harvest campaign on 21 July, BelTA has learned.
“In order to harvest on time, do it well, and get the grain onto export markets, we have everything we need. From equipment to processing – everyone needs to get moving and get to work. As for how to do it, we’ve already sorted that out with you,” the Belarusian leader said.
The head of state particularly emphasized the role of law enforcement and security agencies, which not only maintain order and identify violations but also, quite literally, lend a helping hand to farmers during the harvest season: “I ask that you be responsible and set an example for the rest of the government apparatus. Let people speak of you, the security forces, only in positive terms today: ‘The Emergencies Ministry, the Internal Affairs Ministry, the prosecutors are helping, thank you, Defense Ministry.’ That’s what local people should be saying about us. So please, step up.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that overall, the key to success lies in well-organized processes and discipline. The presidential aides also have a role to play in the oblasts. “Until this team is reviewed, they need to go out to the regions and help get things done. There’s no need to shadow the governors, no need to intimidate anyone, rattle handcuffs, or anything of the sort. Just help. Everyone must be mobilized,” said the head of state. “But that doesn’t mean that tomorrow we’ll all rush out to the villages and have everyone, from the mayor of Minsk to the industry minister, sitting in collective farms. No, we have plenty of other issues to deal with. And God willing, our industry and construction sectors will perform as well as agriculture.”
“Our agriculture sector is holding up well. But you can see that we are very much at the mercy of the weather. And the Lord is not spoiling us. He'll help where He can, where it's needed. But where we fall short, He won’t do our work for us,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Agriculture and Food Minister Yuri Gorlov reported on the volumes of fuel required for the harvest campaign and other field work in July–September. “All supply sources have been secured, and fuel deliveries are guaranteed,” he said.
Nevertheless, it was noted that the agricultural sector has not yet fully repaid its debt for the fuel taken from the state material reserve last year. The repayment deadline had been set for 1 August 2026.
Aleksandr Lukashenko took a firm stance on this matter: “I warned you last year that debt must be repaid. You took it, now return it. There should be no other discussion on this.”
“There is more than enough fuel in the country. Any issues related to fuel (anything can happen in life, such as needing a fuel truck or two rerouted somewhere) should be directed to the prime minister. He will handle fuel matters, including if it becomes necessary to tap into the reserves. In line with the arrangements we’ve agreed upon,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
He noted that an established procedure is already in place for this. “But we need to get things in order here. Discipline is essential. You take it, you give it back. Then you can ask again,” the head of state said.
“In order to harvest on time, do it well, and get the grain onto export markets, we have everything we need. From equipment to processing – everyone needs to get moving and get to work. As for how to do it, we’ve already sorted that out with you,” the Belarusian leader said.
The head of state particularly emphasized the role of law enforcement and security agencies, which not only maintain order and identify violations but also, quite literally, lend a helping hand to farmers during the harvest season: “I ask that you be responsible and set an example for the rest of the government apparatus. Let people speak of you, the security forces, only in positive terms today: ‘The Emergencies Ministry, the Internal Affairs Ministry, the prosecutors are helping, thank you, Defense Ministry.’ That’s what local people should be saying about us. So please, step up.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that overall, the key to success lies in well-organized processes and discipline. The presidential aides also have a role to play in the oblasts. “Until this team is reviewed, they need to go out to the regions and help get things done. There’s no need to shadow the governors, no need to intimidate anyone, rattle handcuffs, or anything of the sort. Just help. Everyone must be mobilized,” said the head of state. “But that doesn’t mean that tomorrow we’ll all rush out to the villages and have everyone, from the mayor of Minsk to the industry minister, sitting in collective farms. No, we have plenty of other issues to deal with. And God willing, our industry and construction sectors will perform as well as agriculture.”
“Our agriculture sector is holding up well. But you can see that we are very much at the mercy of the weather. And the Lord is not spoiling us. He'll help where He can, where it's needed. But where we fall short, He won’t do our work for us,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Agriculture and Food Minister Yuri Gorlov reported on the volumes of fuel required for the harvest campaign and other field work in July–September. “All supply sources have been secured, and fuel deliveries are guaranteed,” he said.
Nevertheless, it was noted that the agricultural sector has not yet fully repaid its debt for the fuel taken from the state material reserve last year. The repayment deadline had been set for 1 August 2026.
Aleksandr Lukashenko took a firm stance on this matter: “I warned you last year that debt must be repaid. You took it, now return it. There should be no other discussion on this.”
“There is more than enough fuel in the country. Any issues related to fuel (anything can happen in life, such as needing a fuel truck or two rerouted somewhere) should be directed to the prime minister. He will handle fuel matters, including if it becomes necessary to tap into the reserves. In line with the arrangements we’ve agreed upon,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
He noted that an established procedure is already in place for this. “But we need to get things in order here. Discipline is essential. You take it, you give it back. Then you can ask again,” the head of state said.